The Illawarra and South Coast is in dire need of foster carers for dozens of local children seeking a stable home. Photo: baffos.
More than 50 vulnerable children across the Illawarra and South Coast are currently waiting for a safe place to call home, prompting an urgent appeal from the NSW Government for locals to step up as foster carers.
Thirty-seven children in the Illawarra and 14 on the South Coast requiring foster care have underscored an acute need in the region that could force children away from critical support networks.
“There really is an urgent need for more local carers, as we know children do best when they can stay connected to their communities, schools, friendship groups, culture and support networks,” Catholic Care Manager for Carer Recruitment & Support Lisa Condon said.
The Foster Care Allowance was increased by 20 per cent this year, and the emergency carer payment more than doubled to $200 per child — the first increases to these payments in over two decades.
“In our experience, people don’t foster care for the allowance, but we really embrace these increases, as it recognises the valuable contributions foster carers make and helps reduce some of those pressures associated with caring, which supports their capacity to meet the child’s needs,” Ms Condon said.
Across the Illawarra there are sibling groups, some with children under five years old, who often wait the longest for a suitable home so that they can stay together.
There is also a need for more local respite carers, who can provide a few days of care for kids to help other foster carers.
“It can be one weekend a month or over the school holidays, and that not only gives regular carers a chance to recharge their batteries, but builds a community of support and contributes to a child’s overall positive experiences,” Ms Condon said.
“It’s a meaningful way to make a difference when you don’t necessarily have the resources to be a regular carer, or to explore and build confidence towards fostering for those interested.”
Long-term and short-term foster carers and respite carers are all desperately needed in the region. Photo: Catholic Care.
There is more than one way to foster, from long-term to respite care and short-term care, supporting children through a crucial time when authorities work with families to ensure they can be safely returned home.
Carers can be aged from 25 years, and come from all backgrounds, from those raising children of their own to retirees, empty-nesters and educators looking to use their expertise to give back to the community.
“We really need all kinds of foster carers, because we have all kinds of children in need,” Ms Condon said.
At Catholic Care, the journey “starts with a conversation, not a commitment”.
People are given all the information they need to decide whether it’s a fit, before undertaking training to support them in the role as well as the necessary background and safety checks.
Once authorised, there’s a careful matching process to ensure foster carers are connected with children who fit their circumstances.
“A lot of care goes into that placement-matching process,” Ms Condon said.
Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Michael Tidball said ongoing support was offered.
“Foster carers are never expected to do this alone,” he said. “DCJ provides training, practical assistance, financial support and access to dedicated caseworkers who walk alongside carers every step of the way.”
To learn more about becoming a foster carer, visit Foster Care NSW.
To inquire about foster care with Catholic Care, email [email protected] or call 1800 967 894.
Original Article published by Dione David on Region Illawarra.
