Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, is encouraging residents to nominate people for a Carer Recognition Award to mark the start of Foster and Kinship Care Week.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Alister Henskens, said: “Foster and kinship carers provide vulnerable children with a solid foundation on which they can grow and thrive.
“During the pandemic, they’ve stepped up and taken on extra challenges like remote learning, and the Carer Recognition Awards are an opportunity to celebrate their extraordinary contribution.”
The NSW Government is strengthening support for foster and kinship carers, prospective adoptive parents and guardians through My Forever Family NSW.
My Forever Family NSW is leading a renewed recruitment drive to recruit new adoptive parents, guardians and foster carers.
“We need more people to open their homes and hearts to children in … a permanent or part-time way,” Henskens said.
“The support you give now can last a lifetime.”
Crouch said foster carers open their hearts and homes to vulnerable children, providing vital stability, support and care.
“This week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate foster and kinship carers, and to recognise the enormous contribution they make on the Central Coast.
“Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, a local organisation coordinated by Cath Rowe, is just one of many groups which supports foster and kinship carers.
“I encourage everyone to consider who they can nominate for a Carer Recognition Award.”
To find out more about the Carer Recognition Awards and for more information about becoming a foster carer, visit https://www.myforeverfamily.org.au/.
Terry Collins