Call for families

Victorian families have been urged to consider the rewards of fostering children.

Making the appeal to families during Foster Care Week, Minister for Community Services Christine Campbell said children who could not live with their own families needed the support of a stable, nurturing alternative home.

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

‘In recent years, the number of foster families has increased. In Victoria, we now have 3,300 children and young people in home-based care.

‘The generosity of Victorian families has meant that almost nine out of 10 children or young people who temporarily cannot live with biological families can live with other families instead of in institution-style residences.

‘These foster families forge a key link in a chain of help. But there is still a need for more.’

Foster care may be needed for a very short time to up to two years. Prospective foster families receive training and the reimbursements of costs.

Fortnightly reimbursements are: $170 for children 0–23 months; $153 for those two–seven years; $185 for eight–10 years; $223 for 11–12 years old and $313 for 13 years and over.

‘Foster families provide the essential ingredients of stability, consistent care and nurturing until the child can return to their own home or an alternative permanent home,’ Ms Campbell said.

‘Foster families also find that their positive influence on children’s lives is immensely rewarding and enriching for their own family.

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

• For more information on foster caring contact Homesharers on 1800 013 088.