MALLEE Family Care (MFC) has said the “sad reality” was there were more children in need of care than the number of carers.
With National Volunteer Week coming to an end yesterday, MFC said there was no better time to recognise the incredible contribution being made by foster carers in the region.
Chief executive Teresa Jayet said people who volunteered to become foster carers changed the lives of children.
“When someone opens their home to a child in need, they’re not only impacting the life of the young person, they’re making a difference to our whole community,” she said.
“The support they provide to a child in their care can help them navigate their childhood and their transition into adulthood.
“We see better education, employment and wellbeing outcomes, which of course leads to better life outcomes and the social benefits of this, not just for the children but for the communities in which they live, are immeasurable.
“At Mallee Family Care, time and time again, we are seeing the positive change that is made when a child is given a safe and secure place to call home.”
Ms Jayet said that year on year, the rate of children entering foster care has been rising and that the need for more carers had never been more critical.
“We have an amazing group of carers offering a range of care options, including respite, short-term, long-term and emergency placements but unfortunately, what we’re seeing is increasing demand that we cannot meet and as the ramifications of COVID-19 begin to be truly felt across the Mallee, we are anticipating a further spike in the demand.
“The sad reality is that we have more children in need of care than we have carers.”
Ms Jayet noted an increased interest in foster care, particularly over the past 12 months, something she put down to greater awareness.
“We are receiving more inquiries, through our campaigns but we really need that to translate to a significant rise in successful recruitment, she said.
“In the second half of 2020 we recruited five new carers and we are currently providing training for a further nine potential carers which is exciting but there is no denying that we need more.”
Ms Jayet said there were carers who opened their hearts and doors to up to five children.
For for information, contact MFC on 5032 5966 or visit malleefamilycare.org.au/Our-Services/Foster-Care.
