A Scoresby-based not-for-profit organisation caring for children is highlighting the dire need for more foster carers.
Anchor foster care services has received Council support through the Community Development Fund to train foster carers and kinship carers, such as grandparents.
Foster care team leader Natasha Quarm says each year over 160 carers open their homes to hundreds of children who have been removed by Child Protection due to abuse, trauma or abandonment.
However, the most recent data shows that while the number of children and young people coming into care has risen significantly over the past four years, the number of active carers is dwindling.
"It's concerning to see a nationwide drop-off in foster carers," Natasha says. "If there aren't foster care families available in the Knox area it means young people get placed into residential care homes, which often aren't suitable for young children.
"It's really important that carers are supported to do their amazing work. Funding from Knox Council's Community Development Fund has meant that carers in the area receive support that helps them in their roles as carers. We have some extraordinary carers at Anchor and they make a huge difference to the children in their care, every day."
Natasha says there are some myths that need to be dispelled about who can become a carer.
"To be a carer, you don't have to own your own home, you can be a same-sex couple, you can be a single female or a single male," she says.
"There are common values and strengths that we see in all carers. Obviously, you have to care deeply about children and their safety. All carers have a strong belief in giving all children equal opportunities, no matter their background or start in life. You also need to be resilient and patient."
Natasha says becoming a foster carer can change a child's life.
"If you think you could provide safety and stability for a child or young person, we definitely want to hear from you," she says.
"There was a drop-off in people volunteering immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic but we're starting to see people returning to these kinds of roles so now is a great time to make an enquiry and find out more.
"There's no bigger impact you can make in the community than being a foster carer. Your kindness and compassion create a lasting impact on children coming into care."
For more information visit anchor.org.au
