Fostering children is not like riding a bike - it's not that you forget how to do it, it's that you are always learning and could always use a little support.
Sue Heath has been fostering children for 14 years - with something like 60 youngsters having spent time with her, her husband Kevin and their own three children. It is, she says, both fun, and stressful.
"I'd not have been doing it for 14 years if it wasn't fun," says Sue.
Over the years Sue and Kevin have become adept at transitional fostering - looking after children on a relatively short-term basis before they either go back to their natural parents or move on to longer term foster care.
But there have been those who have stayed with the family, longer - much longer.
There are no certainties - any number of factors can mean can mean children's stays are rarely of a pre-determined length of time.
"It really all depends on the circumstance," says Sue.
"Something might start out being a short term emergency situation but the children are then in care longer because there might be a court delay or something - so you have to be really flexible and you just have to fit in with the situation."
Sue's role as a transition foster carer isn't limited to providing a safe home for the children she cares for - the transition takes a special set of skills.
Bay of Plenty Fostercare Association co-chairwoman Val Naylor says developing a relationship with the child's natural family is crucial
"The most successful (transitions) are the ones when there are good relationships with parents," says Val.
That can be easily said than done, but being non-judgmental is a great start.
"It's hard work, maybe (the parents) have been through the mill, had their child uplifted, and might see the caregiver as a threat - so you have to build up a relationship and let them know you are not a threat," says Val.
Sue says the caregiver also has to do their homework and prepare themselves as much as they can to make the situation as easy as possible.
As a general rule, there is a two week plan to get children back with their natural parents or new foster carer - sometimes it doesn't take that long, sometimes it takes longer.
"You always have to put the child first - you have to make a judgement call about when the return actually takes place - it can be shorter than two weeks especially if the child is asking to go."
It's a decision that is taken in conjunction with a social worker.
Sue can also be involved to some degree once the child has gone back to its natural parents - something that is more likely the older the child.
Of course, after fostering 60 plus children, them leaving is something Sue is used to only up to a point.
"I always have a sad day when clean out the bedroom after they have gone - but there is good communication with the other caregivers so I know I am not on my own - knowing others have been through it makes it easier."
That support goes hand-in-hand with the training and upskilling that is provided through the association.
"Research tells us caregivers with support and training become better quality caregivers," says Val.
Sue transformed from being a primary school teacher aid to foster carer after deciding the short time she spent with children in the classroom was not enough for her to have an impact on their lives."
"That's when I saw the advert for the foster care training - having children in your care 24/7 means you can really make a difference in their lives," she says.
"And I love the challenges and love to think were are making a difference - to see a child smile when they haven't for six or eight week - those little steps are awesome."