Amanda is adamant that choosing to become a foster carer 13 years ago was the best decision she's ever made.

Amanda and husband Will, who live in the Illawarra's southern suburbs, have four grown-up children of their own and are also long-term foster carers for a young boy.

"Being foster carers is the best thing we have ever done. It can be challenging at times but it is so rewarding," Amanda said.

"We are very lucky in life and wanted to give back. There are a lot of kids out there who just want a happy home."

Amanda's support comes as a shortfall of foster carers in the Illawarra region has prompted an urgent callout by foster care agencies.

Representatives from a range of foster care agencies will join together for a Foster Care Information Night on Thursday, April 30, in an effort to find more than 450 new foster carers needed in the next 12 months.

With more than 60 children and young people entering care every week in NSW, foster care agencies are urgently seeking more carers to open their homes and hearts to some of Australia's most vulnerable children.

The event comes as part of a state-wide campaign, Fostering NSW, which aims to raise awareness about foster care, the steps to becoming a foster carer, the support provided, and the types of foster carers needed.

A spokeswoman for the regional interagency working group, Toni Lea-Howie, said children and young people in care deserved stable, loving homes so they could thrive.

There is high demand for carers who can provide immediate and short-term care and those who can look after school-aged children and siblings.

The information night will be held on April 30 at the Dapto Ribbonwood Centre, 93-109 Princes Highway, Dapto from 6.30pm-8pm.

Information: email savita@acwa.asn.au or call 02 9281 8822.