The Minns Labor Government has today launched a landmark statewide campaign, urging people across NSW to change a child's life by becoming a foster carer.
Right now, there are more than 300 children and young people aged 1 to 17 who need foster carers to provide them a safe and loving home.
Foster carers play a vital role in our child protection system, providing stable and loving homes for children who cannot live safely with their family.
The need for Foster Care is acute for children with disability, adolescents and sibling groups, who often wait the longest for a foster carer. Currently, there are 37 sibling groups in NSW who need foster carers, many with children aged 5 and under.
This campaign is part of the Minns Labor Government's record $1.2 billion investment in child protection, transforming the way foster carers are recruited, trained and supported. The campaign will be rolled out across social media, TV and print, and reach communities at major and local events.
The previous government inexplicably stopped recruiting foster carers, leading to a statewide shortage and an overreliance on high-cost emergency accommodation. Despite considerable progress, too many children remain in these arrangements simply because there aren't enough carers.
Research shows while many people would consider fostering, they remain hesitant due to misconceptions about their eligibility and the time required to foster a child. The campaign will bust these myths, showing that people can foster if they're single, retired, in a same-sex relationship, have kids of their own, rent or work full time.
The campaign uses foster stories to show the many ways you can make a difference to a child's life. While this can be long-term care, people who foster for a few days or weeks are incredibly important to support children and long-term carers. The campaign also highlights restoration carers, who support a child to return safely to their families.
Foster carers are being supported at every step of the journey. The Minns Labor Government has introduced paid foster carer leave for public sector workers and in this year's budget, delivered a 20% increase to the base Foster Care Allowance from 1 January 2026, the first real increase in two decades.
For more information about becoming a foster carer, visit nsw.gov.au/fostercare or call 1300 770 240 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said:
"Children don't get a second chance at childhood, so we're urging everyone this Christmas to consider becoming a foster carer.
"It's time for some myth-busting foster care facts - you can be single, in a same-sex relationship, retired, rent or own your own home, kids just need people who care. Fostering isn't just long-term, we need short term, respite, emergency, and restoration carers too.
"The Minns Labor Government is backing foster carers, investing $1.2 billion into child protection so we can boost foster care allowances and deliver carers more support."
Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice, Michael Tidball, said:
"Foster carers are at the heart of our efforts to protect and nurture children who need stability. This campaign is about breaking down the myths and barriers that prevent people from volunteering.
"We need carers for sibling groups, children with disability, and adolescents - and we need people from all backgrounds. Our message is simple: if you have the capacity to care, you have the capacity to change a life.
"DCJ is focussed on better training, more support, and a stronger system so foster carers can focus on what matters most - the children and young people in their care."
CEO for Cares for Kids NSW, Renee Leigh Carter, said:
"I'm pleased to support the NSW Government's foster care recruitment drive. Carers for Kids NSW supports foster carers, operating a dedicated helpline and providing expert advice, resources, and training for carers.
"We are funded to provide carers with the skills and knowledge they need, so children and young people can grow up with the safety, stability and connection they deserve."
