By Alesha Capone
Uniting Vic.Tas says there is a “critical need” for more foster carers across the western suburbs.
The organisation, which operates Uniting Wyndham in Werribee, is calling for people and families from all walks of life to consider becoming foster carers.
Uniting Vic.Tas chief executive Bronwyn Pike said there were many children and young people “who are in desperate need of short and long term care”.
Uniting western metropolitan region children, youth and families services co-ordinator Sharon Tyrell said that at any time, there could be up to 11,000 children and young people in need of foster care.
“Wyndham, Brimbank and Melton have some of the highest rates of child protection involvement with children and young people,” she said.
“We could get up to 10 references a day to place a child or young person at any given time.”
Ms Tyrell said there was a need for more short-term, long-term, emergency and respite carers.
Emergency carers usually care for a youngster overnight, or for a few nights, until a more permanent carer can be found.
“We’re really in great need of emergency carers – these are people who can take a call at 2am in the morning so children aren’t sitting at a police station for hours on end,” Ms Tyrell said.
She said that not all children needing foster care have experienced trauma and related issues, but might – for example – have a single parent who is suddenly hospitalised, leaving their youngsters in need of care.
Ms Tyrell said Uniting Vic.Tas provided training, ongoing support and upskilling for foster carers.
She said foster carers could be single, in a relationship, working, studying or retired.
“We welcome carers of any culture, religion and sexual orientation,” she said.
Ms Tyrell said that fostering was “very, very rewarding”.
“Often when kids come into care, they are not smiling and happy,” she said.
“To see a few weeks or months later that they are smiling, fit into a household and can’t wait to tell you about their day, that’s hard to put into words.”
To learn more about becoming a foster carer visit www.unitingvictas.org.au/foster-care or call 5144 7777.
