New foster carers are urgently needed to support the state’s most vulnerable children.
Ballarat agency Cafs (Child & Family Services, Ballarat) is calling for local people to take the first step to being a foster carer during Foster Care Week, which runs from 10 – 16 September.
On an average night, 1,500 children and young people are in foster care in Victoria.
Victoria is in urgent need of caring individuals to step up and make a difference in the lives of its most vulnerable children.
Cafs are asking people from across the Central Highlands to make the call and take the first step during Foster Care Week to learn more about these incredibly rewarding roles.
Cafs CEO Wendy Sturgess says Foster Carers make such an important contribution to the lives of children and young people who, for any number of reasons, cannot live with their biological family.
“Our primary goal, when we care for children, lies in working towards returning them home to their families. Our Foster Carers provide stability & keep children safe in a caring home environment. We acknowledge their tireless commitment to supporting young people in our local community.”
Wendy Sturgess, CEO, Cafs
The need for new foster carers is ongoing and urgent, with more than 1,500 children staying in foster care homes across Victoria each night. The roles of foster carers vary, from providing emergency overnight shelter to weekend respite care and short- and long-term arrangements.
Foster Care Week also provides an opportunity to highlight the ongoing need for more Foster Carers right across the Central Highlands. We always need Foster Carers to help us care for children in our community so we’re asking people to consider taking that first step to becoming a Foster Care with Cafs.
Wendy Sturgess, CEO, Cafs
There are so many ways that foster carers support vulnerable children and young people, from simple overnight stays, to respite care on weekends, and short- and longer-term placements and Cafs are out there in the community to support carers.
“Foster Carers have an enormous impact on the lives of the children & young people they support. Caring is changing & we see great success in fostering from all types of people, stepping up to meet the needs of all types of children. Anyone over 21 who has a spare bedroom can apply to become a foster carer.”
Deb Tsorbaris, CEO, Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare Tas/Vic
Our information sessions are a great way for students, graduates or people who may be interested in a career in youth care to hear first hand what it is liked to work in a residential care unit.
