FUNDING BOOST FOR FOSTER CARE SUPPORT

September 12, 2011

Minister for Family and Community Services Pru Goward marked the start of Foster Care Week by announcing an additional $455,000 per year to Connecting Carers NSW for vital foster care support including regular carer conferences, carer camps and a 24/7 phone support line.

Ms Goward said this extra funding is a first step in securing carers’ voices in the Government’s reform agenda to improve services for vulnerable children, young people and families.

“Next year, $350,000 will be provided for a major conference, with 450 foster carers from around the state coming together, with the travel and accommodation costs for hundreds of regionally based carers covered,” Ms Goward said.

“A further $91,000 will help fund seven carers and kids camps across NSW, and an additional $14,000 will allow Connecting Carers to operate their carer support line 24 hours a day.”

The Connecting Carers 2012 conference will be held in September in Darling Harbour and carers will have the opportunity to hear from world class experts in health, psychology and parenting.

Ms Goward said the conference was crucial in assisting carers in their work with foster children.

“Regular Connecting Carers conferences will aim to provide foster carers with the most up-to-date information and techniques to caring for our most vulnerable,” Ms Goward said.

“A conference in 2010, possible only through leftover funding, was hugely successful. The Government through this extra funding is ensuring regular carer gatherings occur.”

Extra funding to guarantee seven carer and kids camps will provide opportunities for carers to share stories and advice with other carers and support staff.

Ms Goward said foster care can be stressful, these camps are a fun break for foster care families.

“These wonderful camps give carers and children something fun to look forward to,” Ms Goward said.

“We also want to make sure carers feel supported when they are at home, so we will be providing a further $14,000 to allow the fantastic Connecting Carers hotline to be available 24 hours a day.

“Foster caring is around the clock, and this service will allow them to access help and advice whenever, and wherever they need it.”