Today marks the start of Foster Care Week, which celebrates the crucial role of foster carers in making a positive difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people in our community. CareSouth will again be partnering with other out-of-home care agencies in a range of activities across NSW to honour and raise awareness of the important contribution made by foster carers.

“We are proud to participate in Foster Care Week activities in collaboration with other local foster care agencies across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, and Western NSW. CareSouth is committed to working with other agencies to develop best practice initiatives and support the important role of foster carers in our community,” said CareSouth CEO, Debra Tozer.

“CareSouth foster carers are everyday people. They are young couples, same sex couples, single people, have children of their own, have jobs or are retired. Almost anyone can become a foster carer. What matters is that you can provide a stable, caring family environment for a child or young person. We provide ongoing support and training to our foster carers so they can support those who need it most,” said Ms Tozer.

Now in its 26th year, Foster Care Week also raises awareness of the need for more foster carers. This year’s theme, ‘Be part of an amazing journey, foster a child’s future’, highlights the ways in which foster carers can make a life-changing difference to child by offering them a loving and safe home, whether it’s for a short time while they support them through the process of being returned to their family, or for the rest of their life.

NSW needs around 660 new carers in the coming year across all types of care: emergency, respite and short term carers able to support restoration of children to their birth families, carers wishing to progress to guardianship or open adoption and Aboriginal and multicultural carers.

Foster Care week runs until September 17. Visit our blog page at caresouth.org.au to hear CareSouth foster carers and caseworkers share their heart-warming stories.

If you are able to help or would like more information about foster care please call 1300 554 260 or visit CareSouth.org.au