Queenslanders are being urged to take the next step and become a foster carer in a campaign launched by the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs.
The campaign — We Need More Foster Carers Like You — features real carers telling their story through television, digital, social media and specialist media channels.
Minister for Children, Leanne Linard said the campaign showcased carers from all walks of life including single, married or de-facto relationships, and with or without their own biological children.
Ms Linard said Queensland needed more people to become carers and the campaign would reach out to those considering it.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen an increase in the need for foster carers and I’m really pleased to say that Queenslanders are already answering this call,” Ms Linard said.
“We have seen a 20 per cent increase in the number of families stepping up to care for the first time, with 1,645 new families registered in the 12 months to June 2020 compared to 1,373 to June 2019.”
Even so, more were needed as the number of children requiring care was increasing.
Executive Director of Queensland Foster and Kinship Care, Bryan Smith, a carer himself, said families of all types should apply.
“Someone asked me recently if we could turn back time, would we do it again and my response was that we would jump into it,” Mr Smith said.
“It’s tough, but it doesn’t stop us wanting to look after children, it becomes part of your soul.”
Mr Smith said he and his wife, Linda, had been fostering for 29 years and as a result had a huge extended family.
“Fostering isn’t for everyone and that’s okay, but there are plenty of people out there who can do it and I would really encourage them to come forward,” Mr Smith said.
To hear what the foster parents have to say, follow this PS News link and for more information about foster caring, call Queensland Foster and Kinship Care on 1300 550 877.
