Australia celebrates national Children's Week at the end of October, which is a special reminder of the importance of nurturing and caring for our youngest citizens.
Latest figures tell us there are almost 50,000 children in out of home care who are unable to live safely with their own families. Many of these children depend on loving kinship and foster carers to provide the stability and security they need.
Currently, the number of active foster care households in Australia with placements is declining, with only 9,022 active homes in the latest reporting period, according to Commonwealth figures. This means there is a critical shortage of carers throughout Australia and increasingly, children have to leave the area they are familiar with as there is no one to care for them in their own locality. For a child already facing upheaval in their lives, to move away from their friends, school and netball or footy club presents another added challenge.
This Children’s Week, MacKillop Family Services is calling for the community to consider becoming foster carers.
Foster carers often say it was the realisation that there was a child in immediate and urgent need that was the reason they enquired to be a carer. With a decline in foster care enquiries of up to 50 per cent in some regions, the urgency for safe and nurturing homes in the community is greater than ever.
There are many different types of foster care including: emergency care, respite care, long-term care and Guardianship in NSW. Foster carers often start with emergency or respite care—approximately one weekend a month—and work their way to becoming short or long-term carers.
Foster carers come from all walks of life. They can be working, not working or retired; married or single; in same-sex relationships; and can own or rent their home. The most essential criteria is that they care for children, can provide a safe and nurturing home, and have room in their home to support a vulnerable child or sibling group.
During Children's Week, let's take a moment to recognise and celebrate the incredible foster families across Australia. Their selflessness, dedication, and love make a profound difference in the lives of countless children. Can you also make a difference?
If you think this is a role that you and your family are ready for, call MacKillop Family Services on 1300 791 677 or visit Mackillop.org.au/fostercare for further information or to make an enquiry.
