Now, more than ever, we need foster carers. In Australia, we have 47,915 children and young people in Out of Home Care (foster care) according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2018).
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The Illawarra region is in desperate need of foster carers. It can be incredibly daunting for a child to leave their family home, even if it's not a safe home.
Approved foster carers are able to keep our most vulnerable children and young people within their own communities. They can keep them engaged in their usual schools and help them maintain their existing friends, hobbies and sports.
With more local carers, the impact of being removed from their home can be minimised.
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If you've ever thought about becoming a foster carer, but don't think you can commit to long-term care, please don't be deterred; there are many types of foster carers needed.
Some of the care types also include respite, restoration and emergency care. New carers often start with respite care as a way of learning how to care for a foster child and slowly introducing themselves and their family to foster care.
Many people would like to become foster carers, but don't think they can financially support another person, which is a legitimate consideration.
To help cover the cost of caring for a child or young person, all foster carers are paid a carer allowance (this amount varies between agencies).
The process of becoming a foster carer can be overwhelming, however, Caring with Carers can take you through each step and help you help your community.
They can also assist you to find the right care type and agency to best suit you and your family dynamics.
You will need to undergo a foster carer assessment and attend specific training; this process can take between eight weeks and three months.
Becoming a foster carer is a big commitment, so the assessment and training process gives carer applicants plenty of time and information to truly consider if foster care will suit them and their family.
If you would like to know more about the application and assessment process and ask questions of industry professionals, please come along to Caring with Carers foster care information session.
This will be held on Thursday, October 24 at 6pm at Woonona Bulli RSL, 455-459 Princes Highway, Woonona.
For more information or to register your interest, please contact Shannon Kendrick on 0452 282 698 or admin@caringwithcarers.com.au
You can also find Caring with Carers on Facebook (caringwithcarers), Instagram (caring_with_carers) and the web (caringwithcarers.com.au)