As the number of children needing safe and supportive homes continues to grow, MacKillop Family Services is launching a nationwide campaign to encourage more Australians to become foster carers.
For a week beginning 21 July, MacKillop is hosting relaxed, informal information sessions at selected cafes in NSW, VIC and WA. People are invited to enjoy a free coffee when they take a moment to chat with MacKillop about what it means to offer a safe home for a child or young person.
The ‘Foster a Brighter Future’ campaign aims to start conversations in the community and highlight the critical shortage of foster carers in Australia. With more than 46,000 children currently living in out-of-home care and only 9000 foster carer households nationally, the need for compassionate carers has never been more urgent.
MacKillop’s NSW Carer Recruitment and Development Manager, Patricia Maher, said the initiative is about removing barriers to becoming a carer and making space for authentic conversations that unpack the reality of being a foster carer.
“We know people are curious, but unsure. These coffee catch ups are a chance to ask questions, hear from our team and experienced carers, and understand how life-changing fostering can be, not just for the child, but for the carer too.
“There is a need for carers in every single region in Australia and it’s really important that kids are kept in an environment that they are familiar with – to do that, we need carers in all metro and regional areas, which is why we are on the ground to talk to local communities,” Patricia said.
MacKillop is grateful for the support of the business community to help highlight the need for foster carers.
“Cafes are the hub of any local area and it’s great to be able to help MacKillop get the news out to regulars and visitors,” says John Rees, owner of one of the participating NSW cafés. “Foster care is not something I hear people talking about, so raising awareness of the need is a great campaign to be involved in.” Sessions will run in selected cafés across metro and regional areas with varying times and dates to suit busy schedules. Attendees will receive a free coffee and information about different types of foster care, from short term or emergency care to long-term placements.
“We want people to understand there’s not one kind of carer; they come from all different backgrounds and are at all different stages of life,” Patricia Maher adds. “What matters is that you can offer a safe, nurturing environment where kids can thrive.” For more information or to find your local café session, visit mackillop.org.au/foster.
To arrange interviews or for further information, contact:
suzanne.schokman@mackillop.org.au MOB: 0488 777 497
angela.mallon@mackillop.org.au MOB: 0438 076 313
About MacKillop Family Services MacKillop Family Services is a national child and family welfare organisation with extensive experience delivering therapeutic and trauma-informed services. We operate residential care, foster care, family support, disability support, youth homelessness and education programs across NSW, VIC, WA, the ACT and the NT.
