The NSW government is urging the community to consider becoming a foster carer this Christmas, with 339 vulnerable children and young people reportedly living in emergency accommodation.
The children’s parents haven’t been able to provide the safety they deserve, the government says.
‘We don’t have enough carers for these kids,’ a media release on Friday read.
The statement from Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said the government relied on foster carers to provide children with the stability, care and support
they need to thrive and fulfill their potential.
‘The former government outsourced foster carer recruitment, leading to a decline in carer numbers and a crisis that the Minns Labor Government is working hard to reverse,’ the statement read.
‘Foster carers can come from all walks of life –you can be single, in a relationship, or have a family,’ the statement continued.
‘It doesn’t matter if you rent or own your own home.
‘Emergency care is a great way to get started, with placements ranging from one night to 12 weeks.’
Minister thanks foster carers for ‘best Christmas gift’
Ms Washington was quoted saying safe and caring homes had been found for 849 children thanks to the recruitment of 200 emergency carers.
‘But we desperately need more,’ she said.
‘If you want to change a child’s life please consider becoming a foster carer,’ the minister said.
‘I’m so grateful to all of the foster carers who are giving the best gift that they can give this Christmas -a safe and caring home to a vulnerable child.
‘This gift could be yours to give by becoming a foster carer.’
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