February 22nd, 2026Consider foster care

Care as you are: Cafs calls on the Central Highlands community to consider foster care this World Care Day
This World Care Day, Cafs is drawing attention to the growing number of children and young people across the Central Highlands who need the safety, stability and belonging that foster care can provide, supported by everyday people who are able to care in ways that fit their lives.
With the theme “Care as you are”, Cafs’ Home-Based Care program is reminding the Central Highlands community that foster carers don’t need to be perfect, have a certain lifestyle, or fit a mould. They simply need the capacity to provide care, stability and connection for children who need support close to home.
“Foster care isn’t about having all the answers or a picture-perfect home,” said Cafs CEO, Wendy Sturgess.
“It’s about showing up as yourself and offering a safe, caring place for a child or young person in our community. You don’t need to change your life to make a difference locally, you just need to open your heart and your home in a way that works for you,” Ms Sturgess said.
Cafs supports foster carers from all walks of life across the Central Highlands region, including single people, couples, families with children, empty nesters, renters, homeowners, and people who work full time or part time. What matters most is the ability to provide a nurturing environment where children and young people feel seen, heard and valued.
“Every foster care journey looks different,” Ms Sturgess said.
“Some carers provide short term care, others long term. Some care for babies, others for teenagers. There is no one right way, and Cafs works closely with carers to find arrangements that fit their lives while meeting the needs of local children.”
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World Care Day is an opportunity to recognise the commitment of existing foster carers and to encourage others in the Central Highlands region to consider how they might be able to help, in a way that aligns with their own circumstances.
“There are children and young people in our local community right now who need care,” Ms Sturgess said.
“Foster care can be challenging, but it is also incredibly meaningful. Offering safety and belonging close to home can change a child’s story and often changes your own as well.”
Cafs provides training and professional guidance to ensure foster carers are never on the journey alone.
This World Care Day, Cafs invites community members across the Central Highlands region to learn more about foster care and explore how they can care as they are.
Visit Home Based Care to find out more and to reach out.