Attending National Foster Care Day celebrations in the Parliament House Private Members Garden, Ms Campbell joined in the symbolic ‘circle of care’ in which about 400 carers and children joined hands to represent the care offered to children and the benefits to families.

‘Foster carers make an enormous difference for children and young people who cannot live—at least for a time—with their families,’ Ms Campbell said.

‘It is an incredible way to make a contribution to young lives.’

Victoria’s foster carers cared for 3,400 children and young people in their homes every year.

The celebration, organised by the Foster Care Association of Victoria, attracted about 400 foster carers and children and included a presentation of certificates of recognition to several carers.

‘Victorian families have always shown great generosity and have willingly opened their hearts and homes to children needing shelter,’ Ms Campbell said.

‘The generosity of Victorian families has meant that almost nine out of 10 children or young people who cannot live with biological families either temporarily or in the longer term can live with other families.

Prospective foster families receive training and the reimbursement of costs if children are place in their care.

Fortnightly reimbursements are $170 for infants to 23 months, $153 for children two–seven years old, $185 for those eight–10 years old, $223 for 11–12-year-olds and $313 for young people over 13.

‘Foster families forge a key link in a chain of help and there is still a need for more families.

‘Anyone can apply to be a foster carer—single people, married couples, unemployed people, retirees and people from all ethnic backgrounds,’ Ms Campbell said.

• For more information about foster caring call 1800 013 088.