Challenge Community Services, which has offices on the Central Coast, is looking for mature aged foster carers to provide security for the region’s most vulnerable children.
Carer Compliance Manager, Christen Alston, said the average age of foster carers in NSW had risen from 25-49 in 1984 to 35-54 in 2003.
“If you are in good health, age is not a barrier to becoming a foster carer in NSW,” she said.
“Older carers, including single people and couples (including same‐sex couples) are all welcome to apply.
“A growing number of people over 50 are becoming carers and doing a wonderful job.
“Whether they are empty nesters or single people who have never had children, each of our carers has their own unique strengths.
“Most importantly, they are all making a difference to the lives of vulnerable children in our community, who are benefitting from those with life experience.
“Facing an uncertain world as a teenager or young adult can be a terrifying experience.
“People, who have often overcome challenges in their lives and know they are able to survive crises, can make wonderful role models for teenagers and young adults.
“Mature foster carers are often more confident and financially stable and are a wonderful grounding influence for children whose lives have been marked by chaos and uncertainty.”
Foster carers are volunteers and the carer allowance paid to support a child or young person in foster care is not counted as an income by Centrelink or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
If you are currently receiving a JobSeeker Payment, you may also be eligible to receive an exemption from your mutual obligation requirements.
Those who can’t offer a full-time commitment can become involved by opening their home and heart to a child in need one weekend a month, or temporarily looking after a child in an emergency.
More information can be found at: https://www.challengecommunity.org.au/foster-care/
Source:
Media release, Jun 22
Challenge Community Services