- CaLD Community Carers Program rolled out State-wide following successful trials in Mirrabooka and the Pilbara
- Community carers provide out-of-home care for children and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to help them remain connected to their culture
- Increasing number of primary carer groups supports more children and young people in care
The Cook Labor Government is expanding a successful project which helps vulnerable children in care remain connected to their multicultural background.
The CaLD Community Carers Program, first trialled in Mirrabooka and the Pilbara, helps to engage 'community carers' who are best placed to provide care for culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) young people.
The project will now be rolled out State-wide, with the Department of Communities establishing 'community carers' as a new primary carer category.
The project was first trialled across the Mirrabooka and Pilbara child protection districts in 2024, with community carers in the trial project representing the Hazara, Burundian, Myanmar, South Sudanese, Somalian and Kenyan communities.
The State-wide rollout was announced as part of Foster and Family Carers Week, held from Monday, 28 July to Sunday, 3 August 2025.
The week celebrates foster and family carers and shines a light on the rewarding opportunities to support some of Western Australia's vulnerable children and young people.
As stated by Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"The CaLD Community Carers Program is helping children and young people maintain their connection to culture and community, providing much-needed stability and familiarity while they navigate this period of their life.
"The Cook Government is proud to announce we are rolling this initiative out State-wide, expanding the number of primary carer groups to support more children and young people in care.
"Foster, family and community carers play a vital role in supporting some of WA's most vulnerable children and young people."
As stated by West Swan MLA Rita Saffioti:
"I'm proud of how culturally diverse Western Australia's community is, and it's great to see programs like the Community Carers Program support our most vulnerable young people byhelping them stay connected to their culture and achieve their potential.
"We know how important cultural identity is to a young person's sense of belonging and wellbeing, not just for them, but for the strength and enrichment of the broader WA community."
Comments attributed to Ayor Makur Chuot MLC:
"The Community Carers pilot in Mirrabooka has helped to introduce many new people to the wonderfully rewarding experience of caring for children and young people in State care.
"Western Australia's diverse multicultural communities continue to grow, and with this we want to ensure children can be placed in safe, loving care which maintains a connection to their culture."
Comments attributed to Cannington MLA Ron Sao:
"As one of the most multicultural electorates in the State, Cannington will really see the benefits of this innovative program.
"It is important we do everything we can to support young people in these difficult situations, and providing more appropriate care for those from CaLD backgrounds is a great step forward."
