Every child deserves to have a safe and happy home. But a sad side-effect of this pandemic is the growing rate of domestic stress across our nation… making already vulnerable children even more vulnerable to extreme neglect and child abuse. That’s why the need for foster carers is on the rise.
Foster carers make a huge, positive impact on the life of the children they welcome into their homes. Children who have been placed in foster care through Anglicare’s help have shown marked improvements in their social connections (71%), education progress (46%) and personal wellbeing (53%).
In 2020-21, more than 2,400 children in NSW needed care. Anglicare provided care for over 160 of these children, but many children are still desperately in need of a place to call home. In 2022, the need for short-term care is particularly high.
These children urgently need your help
Have you ever thought about being a foster carer? Are you able to open your home to children who are not able to safely live with their own families?
Though you may feel unprepared for such a responsibility, most foster carers find it is ultimately more of a privilege than a responsibility!
All foster carers receive ongoing training, a dedicated foster care manager and team leader to guide them along the foster carer journey so that you’re supported every step of the way.
The children below are in need of immediate care. Can you help?
DAVID
Imagine…. you are a 7-year-old boy named David and there is so much you want to learn, so many questions you want to ask. You love riding a bike, jumping on the trampoline, swimming and exploring the garden. And you would love to belong to a family. Your parents can’t look after you and you’ve been cared for by several families. Adults aren’t always reliable, kids tease you, you struggle to concentrate and learn at school. And you have big feelings that overtake you sometimes.
Could you provide David with a safe, nurturing and constant family environment to help turn his life around?
MELANIE
Maybe you’re more like Melanie. Melanie is an 11½-year-old young girl who is playful, curious and loves riding her bike, skateboard or even her pogo stick!
Melanie needs the support of safe loving adults who will work alongside her support team to help her grow and develop.
Please reach out if you think you can be the positive change in Melanie’s life.
What makes a good foster carer?
Children need carers who enjoy spending time with them. Many of the children who need care may have high and complex needs due to neglect or abuse and Anglicare is seeking patient, understanding and warm foster carers who can provide a stable, safe and caring home environment.
Other things that make a great carer include:
- Availability to care for a child
- Commitment
- Flexibility
- Good sense of humour
- Caring and compassionate nature
- Strong desire to make a difference in a child’s life
If this sounds like you, you may be just the person to make a profound impact on the life of a child who has not had an ideal start in life and really needs some support.
Want to learn more about becoming a foster carer?
Anglicare’s information sessions provide an opportunity to find out what’s involved in becoming a foster carer, learn more about the process, and ask their team any questions you might have. The next session will be held on Tuesday 5th April at 7.30pm.
Visit Anglicare to read more about becoming a foster carer.
Or click here to find out more about the information session or to register now.
