There is an overwhelming shortage of foster carers to cater for almost 10,000 children throughout the Hunter 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 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
• curious to learn more about becoming a foster carer.

What to expect when attending a foster care and open adoption info session

These 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
• the choice carers have in whom they care for
• 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, children 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.  

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.

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.

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.