September 16th, 2023Need for foster carers continues: Cafs Ballarat

Cafs (Child and Family Services, Ballarat) is asking people from across the Central Highlands to make the call and take the first step to becoming a foster carer.
The need for new foster carers is ongoing, with more than 1500 children staying in foster care homes across Victoria each night. The roles of foster carers vary, from providing emergency overnight shelter to weekend respite care and short- and long-term arrangements.
The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare CEO Deb Tsorbaris encourages people who have considered becoming a foster carer to make a call and find out more.
There are so many ways that foster carers support these vulnerable children and young people, from simple overnight stays, to respite care on weekends, and short- and longer-term placements, and our incredible foster care agencies are out there in the communities to help and support carers,” she says.
Cafs CEO Wendy Sturgess says foster carers make such an important contribution to the lives of children and young people who, for any number of reasons, cannot live with their biological family.
“Our primary goal, when we care for children, lies in working towards returning them home to their families. Our foster carers provide stability and keep children safe in a caring home environment. We acknowledge their tireless commitment to supporting young people in our local community.
“Foster Care Week also provides an opportunity to highlight the ongoing need for more foster carers right across the Central Highlands.
“We always need foster carers to help us care for children in our community so we’re asking people to consider taking that first step to becoming a foster carer with Cafs,” says Ms Sturgess.
Recent findings from Fostering Connections market research underscored strong community support for foster caring, with 80 per cent of Victorians saying they believe the community should provide support for children who can live with their families.
Ms Tsobaris says that despite cost-of-living difficulties, Victorians have shown they are sympathetic to the plight of children and young people.
“We know its tough out there, and its even tougher for some families, which means new carers are needed more than ever. Victorians showed during Covid that we can come together as a community and support each other. Even though these are tough times, these vulnerable kids need the support and care of their communities,” says Ms Tsorbaris.
Foster Care Week, which began on Sunday, September 10, is an annual opportunity to celebrate the vital role that foster carers play in ensuring that every child in Victoria has a loving home during times when they’re unable to live with their family.
Fostering Connections, a joint initiative between The Centre, foster care agencies across Victoria, and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, is encouraging foster carers from all walks of life to support their community by opening their homes to become part of an incredible network of people supporting local children, young people, and families.
“Foster Carers have an enormous impact on the lives of the children and young people they support. Caring is changing and we see great success in fostering from all types of people, stepping up to meet the needs of all types of children. Anyone over the age of 21 who has a spare bedroom can apply to become a foster carer,” says Ms Tsorbaris.
Those interested in becoming a foster carer can obtain more information about fostering a child by contacting Cafs on 1800 692 237 or can visit cafs.org.au.