The Minns Labor Government is boosting support for emergency foster carers by more than doubling the immediate crisis care payment, recognising the vital role foster carers play when children need a safe home urgently.
Emergency foster carers provide safe and loving homes for children or sibling groups at short notice, while child protection caseworkers find a longer-term placement. The crisis payment is intended to help carers with essential items such as clothing, nappies, food and other immediate necessities.
Emergency foster carers with the Department of Communities and Justice will receive $200 for each child to cover immediate purchases, up from $75 and the first increase to the payment in over two decades.
All foster carers are provided with an ongoing Care Allowance, along with additional financial and practical support to assist with the care of children. This year, the Minns Labor Government delivered foster carers their first real increase to the allowance in over two decades, boosting the fortnightly payment by 20 per cent. A carer for a typical 14-year-old is now more than $4500 better off each year.
The emergency crisis payment increase is part of broader changes to ensure more support is available whenever a child is placed into out-of-home care with minimal notice, whether during business hours or overnight, improving consistency and fairness across the State.
The increase to the emergency payment responds directly to feedback from carers and Carer Advisory Groups. It builds on substantial reforms to improve support for foster carers including paid parental leave for public sector workers, increased investment in training, and independent assistance and advocacy.
The Minns Labor Government is undertaking comprehensive reforms of the foster care system backed by an historic $1.2 billion child protection package.
This Easter, the NSW Government is calling on more people to consider opening their homes and hearts by becoming a foster carer. For more information, visit nsw.gov.au/fostercare
