Some of the most vulnerable members of our community were hit hardest by COVID-19, and kids in foster care were no exception.
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CareSouth executive officer Tracy Mayo said foster care enquiries dropped from by 70 per cent at the beginning of the pandemic. The consequences of a reduction in carers for children who have been removed from home can be dire.
"If we have a good supply of carers we can keep kids in the same town, going to the same school, part of the same sports teams," Ms Mayo said.
"If we don't have anyone in their town they're removed from their whole community. It's devastating."
After reaching out to the community the number of enquiries has begun to climb, but more carers are still needed, particularly for older children.
Ms Mayo said it was difficult to find carers for children aged between nine-14, and almost impossible for children 15 or older.
"People think younger children are easier, but there can be so many rewards with older children who can talk to you about what their needs are," she said.
"They need the same nurturing younger kids need - a warm safe bedroom, suitable clothing, nourishing meals and lots of love."
Ms Mayo said there is 24/7 counselling and practical support for carers.
For more information about becoming a foster carer for CareSouth contact 1300 554 260. CareSouth operates on the South Coast from the Illawarra to the Bega Valley, as well as in the Murrumbidgee, Cooma and Goulburn regions.