HUNTER residents are being urged to change a child’s life and become a foster carer, with the State Government launching a local foster carer recruitment drive.
Right now, there are over 160 children and young people across the Hunter who cannot live safely with their families.
There is a particular need for people to care for sibling groups, some with children under five years old; and adolescents, who often wait the longest to be placed with foster carers.
Research shows that many potential carers remain hesitant due to misconceptions about their eligibility and the time required to foster a child.
There are many ways to start fostering, including providing just a few days of respite to other foster carers.
In January, the Foster Care Allowance was increased for the first time in 20 years, lifting the base rate by 20 percent.
According to the State Government, a foster carer of a typical 14-year-old is now more than $4,500 better off each year.
“I know there are hundreds of people across the Hunter who have what it takes to become a foster carer,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.
“I encourage anyone who is considering fostering to reach out and find out how you can support vulnerable kids in our communities.”
Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said, “There are many ways you can help a vulnerable child, by providing emergency, respite, short or long term care.
“You can foster if you rent or own your own home, if you’re single or married, work full-time or are retired – all you need is love in your heart and space in your home.”
Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice, Michael Tidball, said that local foster carers are the backbone of the state’s care system.
“We know fostering looks different for everyone, which is why we’re focused on removing barriers and backing carers with practical, financial and professional support,” he said.
“If you’ve ever thought about fostering, now is the time to step forward and be part of the Hunter’s foster care community.”
To learn more about becoming a foster carer, visit nsw.gov.au/fostercare.
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