There is an overwhelming shortage of foster carers to care for almost 10,000 children throughout the Hunter who are in need of a safe place to keep them out of harm's way. The situation is now at crisis point. For some children, this means they spend months or even years living in crisis motel accommodation with little certainty about their future.
Foster care and open adoption information sessions
This shortage is what has led CatholicCare to host a number of no-pressure foster care and open adoption information sessions throughout the Diocese.
The information sessions are for people who are:
considering becoming a foster carer
thinking about adopting a child or;
curious to learn more about becoming a foster carer
What to expect when attending a foster care and open adoption info session
CatholicCare’s foster care and open adoption information sessions include presentations from the recruitment team as well as experienced carers who cover topics such as;
An overview of CatholicCare’s Permanency Support Program
Types of care including respite and emergency care, open adoption and guardianship
What choice carers have in whom they care for
The day-to-day responsibilities of carers
Training and support available to carers
Selection criteria for carers
An overview of the application process
To learn more, or register your attendance, Contact CatholicCare using the form below.
What is it like to be a foster child? In the video below, kids who needed foster care share their experiences
CatholicCare's director, Gary Christensen on foster care
“There is an overwhelming shortage of foster carers and the situation is now at crisis point,” Director of CatholicCare Social Services, Gary Christensen said.
“The alarming statistics reinforce the necessity of the care provided by foster carers, supported by agencies such as CatholicCare, to create a permanent and safe home where these children can feel secure and thrive,” Mr Christensen said.
“Immediate, respite, restoration and permanent foster carers are urgently required for children of all ages.
"We’re seeking carers of all ages who can provide care for a few days at a time, to those who can provide a home for life. You don’t have to be Catholic to be a carer with CatholicCare, and we welcome singles, couples and even families to be carers.
“Being a foster carer is challenging and rewarding, but our carers don’t do it alone. CatholicCare partners with them, providing ongoing support and development opportunities as well as an allowance to assist them in meeting the needs of children in their care,” Gary said.
Permanency Support Program
The Department of Family and Community Services’ Permanency Support Program introduced a series of changes from 1 October 2017 that shift the current placement-based service system to one that is centred on safety, permanency and wellbeing for children, young people and their families and kin.
Where restoration of children to birth parents or kin is not possible, the NSW Government has committed to making it easier for carers to adopt or become legal guardians. A means-tested adoption allowance will also help those who require financial assistance to meet the child’s needs.
