Opening homes and hearts

Dec 10th 2008 – By Matt


In the last ten years, the number of children living in foster care has doubled. The number of available foster carers can’t keep up with the rate of children entering programs. Children and young people requiring foster care do so for a variety of reasons, but in all cases, the main thing they need is nurture and support.

This is provided by various organisations throughout Australia, such as Life Without Barriers, a national not-for-profit organisation working to support children an-d young people in crisis. Since inception in 1995, LWB has expanded into every Australian State and Territory and has experienced rapid growth and a dramatic increase in demand for services. Foster carers are an integral part of the network and support that LWB offers to clients and children in need.

Families Plus, a sub program of Lifeline Community Care aims to recruit, train and support foster carers who will provide safe care environments for children and young people under protective orders or subject to protective concerns, who are referred by the Dept. of Child Safety. Lifeline Community Care aims to create safe, caring, family environments for children and young people that will assist them to heal from the trauma of abuse and attachment losses in their lives, and re-connect with their families, culture and communities in positive ways.

Organisations such as these provide rewarding opportunities for compassionate people to provide their services as foster carers to a wide range of children and young people for a set period of time. This can vary from Respite Care (weekends/school holidays) and Emergency Care (up to 28 days) to Long Term (over one year).

What types of people are suitable to become foster carers? Generally, recruiters in this area are looking for maturity, health, lifestyle and capacity to manage and care for young people with complex and challenging needs. Some experience as a foster carer or a background in human services is well regarded, but is not always essential, as many organisations also provide full training.

In addition, Life Without Barriers supports foster carers with a tax-free allowance averaging $650 per week for a full-time placement and up to $150 per night for respite care, to cover the daily care needs and living expenses of the young person.

Organisations all over Australia are looking for compassionate and reliable people to work as foster carers, so if you are in a situation to provide a vital community service, this is an essential role that provides new hope for thousands of young Australians.
To find out more about foster care roles, keep checking www.nfpjobs.com.au