This WA Foster and Family Carers Week we thank foster families who step in when it matters most.
This week is WA Foster and Family Carers Week 2025 (28 July - 3 August) - a week to celebrate and thank the 3,300 foster and family carers across Western Australia for the enormous contribution they make in the lives of children in their care, and wider community.
Coinciding with the week is also the launch of the 'Become a foster carer - Make a difference to a child's life' campaign calling for more foster and family carers across the state.
The campaign is busting common myths such as what a foster carer household looks like, highlighting you don't need to be married, have children or be in a traditional family to support children in care.
The campaign also highlights the flexible types of care available to suit a range of lifestyles, the rewarding aspects of becoming a carer and the positive impact fostering can have on biological children.
A foster family's story of care and commitment
Louise and Rick became foster carers to make a difference in their community and set an example for their own four biological children. Over the past 15 years their family has opened their hearts and home to around 100 children and young people in care through short term, emergency and long term care arrangements.
"I grew up knowing of a foster family and seeing them taking care of other children, particularly babies. I loved being a part of children's lives. I loved being a parent, and I thought I could open our home to caring for another child," Louise said.
"A large part of our decision to foster was to make sure our children knew that we as a community care for each other and this is something that they could actively do within the walls of their own home."
Through fostering, Louise said their own children have grown up knowing that they are able to care for vulnerable young people now without waiting to become an adult.
"They can walk into a room and they can see the child that is in need and they can meet that child where they're at instantaneously and therapeutically and make them feel safe in a way that most adults really struggle."
With a high number of children and young people entering the care system every year, Louise and Rick are advocates for fostering and encourage more people to take the next step.
"I think we all are aware that there are broken families in our community, in our city, in our state, in our suburbs, and we sort of have two choices - we can retreat back into our levels of comfort and just ignore what's going on or we can step up and try to make a difference, even if it's small," Rick said.
"Even just respite care monthly to take a break from those who are caring for a lot of kids is super helpful. Even just being an auntie, a grandparent, a mentor to young people who come from broken homes to give them stability is a really important thing that I think every Western Australian needs to consider."
Louise said there is never a perfect time to be a foster carer and it's important not to fear the role.
"It's actually an opportunity of what our family could miss out on if we don't say yes."
"So make that phone call or jump online. There are plenty of ways to become a carer and plenty of agencies as well as the Department; and the support is out there like it's never been before in lots of ways."
"We need you. Please come along and join our families so that we can share the love."
For more information about foster care, please visit the Foster Care website .
