Foster kids numbers are increasing

There has been a 15 per cent increase in the number of South West children in foster care.

As of June 30, there were 380 children in care in the region, opposed to the 330 up to June 30, 2018.

Department of Communities regional and remote service delivery assistant director general Rachel Green said foster carers played a vital role in changing the lives of vulnerable children and young people through providing support, nurturing, guidance and love.

“They make a positive difference by providing a safe and supportive home for a child who for many reasons cannot live with their parents,” she said.

For the 380 children in care in the South West, there are 145 carer households.

There are 17 children aged less than one-year-old in care, there are 66 children aged 1-4, 112 children aged 5-9, 122 children aged 10-14 and 63 aged 15 and up.

Ms Green said the Department of Communities held about 40, two-hour information sessions each year for people interested in becoming foster carers.

DOC assesses potential carers’ maturity, health, lifestyle and ability to work as part of a care team.

“Carers come from all walks of life and represent the diversity of our Western Australian community,” she said.

“They may be single, married or in a same-sex relationship; with or without their own children.

“Carers may even be related to the child who has entered care and willing to provide a safe and nurturing environment that is familiar to them.”

Ms Green said the Department of Communities was always looking for Aboriginal people across the State who were interested in becoming carers.

Visit childprotectioncareers.wa.gov.au/foster-carer-recruitment or call 1800 182 178 for more information.