Amid a critical shortage of carers on the Central Coast, and with 15,895 children living in out-of-home care state-wide, My Forever Family NSW will hold an information session at Narara later this month for prospective carers.
My Forever Family NSW supports, trains and advocates for foster and kinship carers, guardians and adoptive parents who bring stability to the lives of children and young people in care.
The Central Coast session will be held from 5.30-7pm on Tuesday, March 21, at Central Coast ARAFMI, 21 Bellbowrie Ave, Narara.
The session will raise awareness about the critical need for more people to care for children currently living in the state care system, and anyone who is interested in finding out what’s involved in opening their home to a child is welcome to attend.
Latest figures from the Department of Communities and Justice NSW reveal that 13 children and young people per 1000 are living in out-of-home care in the Central Coast region compared with nine in 1000 across the whole of NSW.
These are children and young people who can’t live safely with their family and need a safe and nurturing place to call home.
The session will stress the urgent need for carers for sibling groups in the region, to ensure that siblings in care can stay together and thrive.
The information session will inform potential carers of the different options of care available and will be an opportunity to ask questions of local agencies, be introduced to the services of My Forever Family NSW and hear the first-hand experiences of current carers.
My Forever Family NSW Spokesperson Michelle Stacpoole said being a carer for kids is not a “one size fits all”.
“There are many ways you can help children thrive,” she said.
“These sessions are an opportunity to ask questions about becoming a carer in an open and relaxed setting, and to chat directly with those who have lived experience as carers.
“It’s a chance for people considering becoming carers to understand the next steps and we also welcome people who are considering this option for the future to come along and find out more.”
For more information on the information session go to https://www.eventsforchange.org.au/infosession.
Information about My Forever Family NSW is available at www.myforeverfamily.org.au/.
Source:
Media release, Mar 7
My Forever Family NSW