Faith Communities Gather with Government to Highlight Faith’s Role in Foster Care

Faith-based organisations across New South Wales are joining forces to highlight the urgent need for foster carers at the Open Hearts, Open Homes event this week.

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Nicole Martin, Head of Foster Care at Anglicare, said the event brings together groups including Wesley Mission, Catholic Care Broken Bay, Family Spirit and Jewish House.

Together they will meet with MPs at NSW Parliament House.

“We really believe it’s important for the government to understand the role that faith-based providers play in foster care,” Nicole said.

“Unlike other providers, we work with communities who are highly motivated to become foster carers.

“We really believe it’s important for the government to understand the role that faith-based providers play in foster care.”

“Christians are well known for this, and those carers are surrounded by church communities who support them.”

Nicole explained that this community support is vital.

“Faith communities can provide what government can’t – that wraparound care for foster families and the children they look after,” Nicole said.

But the system is under strain.

“The biggest crisis in foster care at the moment is the decline in the number of carer households,” Nicole said.

“Across Australia we’ve seen about a 10% decrease in the past five years, while the number of children needing care has slightly increased.”

“Faith communities can provide what government can’t – that wraparound care for foster families and the children they look after.”

This means some children are being placed in non-home-based care because foster families aren’t available. Nicole said factors like the rising cost of living, families working full-time, and an ageing population have contributed to the shortage.

Even so, Nicole believes many people could open their homes.

“Families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and children need people who are simply willing to be there for them,” Nicole said.

Learn more about Anglicare’s Foster Care Programs.

“Most people are capable of caring for children – whether they’re single, a couple, with or without kids, renting or owning a home.”

Nicole encouraged those interested to connect online.

“We’d love you to visit our website or social media to learn more about foster care,” Nicole said.

Learn more about Anglicare’s Foster Care Programs.

Feature image: CanvaPro