It's one of the biggest reforms of fostering in generations, but Albion Park foster carers Leah and Paul Warner have managed it seamlessly.
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The couple are among hundreds of South Coast foster families who have had to transition from the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) to a non-government agency as the government bows out of foster care services.
The transition is expected to be complete in 2017, but the Warners got in early and are now registered with South Coast agency, the William Campbell Foundation.
"We wanted to make our own choice, rather than be allocated an agency, and it's been a very smooth transition," Mrs Warner said.
"We've gained access to a lot of resources and support, and our caseworker is always available to bounce ideas off or to join us for meetings with the kids' teachers when needed."
The Warners - who have three older children - have provided respite and crisis care for vulnerable children for 13 years. They currently care for 10-year-old twins who've been with them since they were 1½.
"It's been really worthwhile not only for the children we care for but for our own children who were given a more realistic view of the world," Mrs Warner said. "And as foster carers, we've received so much in return - seeing the kids grow, seeing them thrive and build resilience - those are our rewards."
In March 2012, then NSW Minister for Community Services Pru Goward announced plans to transfer all out-of-home care to the non-government sector.
It was a move that caused some controversy, with Public Service Association acting general secretary Steve Turner claiming there were concerns that the agencies would not be able to cope with the increased demand.
"There are still some concerns that carers might not receive the same services and the degree of expertise at all agencies, and that the levels of finance available for each child might alter," Mr Turner said.
"Now that the transition is well under way, we would like to see a review to ensure that the promises that the government made are being delivered."
A spokeswoman for the William Campbell Foundation said 17 foster care families had transitioned from FACS to the agency since 2012. The agency was expanding to cater for demand, with 84 foster children now under its care.
The foundation is holding an information session at Dapto Ribbonwood Centre on July 31, from 5-6pm, for those aged 21 years or above with a desire to become foster carers. For details, call 1300 130 585.
More at-risk youngsters removed
More children at risk of being abused are being removed from their parents, new data shows.
The national health and welfare agency says more than 135,000 children received some type of child protection service between 2012 and 2013.
About 40,500 of them were removed from their parents or received a care or protection order in that period.
That’s more children than in 2010 and 2011, when roughly 37,600 were removed because they were at risk of, or being abused.
However, most children reported to state and territory child protection services for investigation were subsequently placed back in their homes.
Children were more likely to be emotionally abused or neglected, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report released on Friday shows. Physical abuse was less common, and sexual abuse even less.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were eight times more likely to be receiving child protection services.
Child protection in 2012-13
- 135,000 kids receiving protection – rate of 26.1 per 1000 children
- 56per cent were not subsequently placed on an order or in out-of-home care
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children continue to be over represented
- National costs: $3.2billion in 2012-13, increase of $177.5million (5.8per cent) from 2011-12
- A 29per cent rise in number of children subject to a substantiation of abuse or neglect, from 31,527 in 2010-11 to 40,571 in 2012-13.
- That’s a reversal of a previous downward trend between 2008-09 and 2010-11 AAP