Despite the number of foster and kinship carers in Queensland continuing to rise, the rates of children in need of care still outweighs the number of carers.
According to new child safety data, the number of foster and kinship carers has increased to 5,792 families compared to 5,680 as at 30 September 2020 and 5,512 a year ago.This includes 1,655 first-time carer families who are helping to care for Queensland children when they can no longer remain safely at home.Recruitment Practitioner at Anglicare’s platform You Be You, Madallon Malancioiu, said it was very important for this number to continue to rise.
“The reality is that there are many, many children in need of out of home care,“ she said.
“The rates of children coming into foster care unfortunately outweighs the number of carers. This means that we need more people to help support our kids in our communities.
“Some families have different struggles and for many reasons, however we all know that it takes a village to raise a child, and that is why we need to build our community support.
“If you think about the increase, 807 children in Queensland needed a home between December 2019 to December 2020, yet we didn’t have 807 families who could assist.
“To help keep children safe, we need to stick together. If you’re unsure if what you need or whether you have capacity, please get in touch with our You Be You team as they will answer all your questions.“
Madallon said the Sunshine Coast is an amazing community and believes there are more foster carers out there who just don’t know it yet.
“Whether you are considering foster care or are involved with children in any capacity, our ability to positively impact the long-term development and outcomes of a child are immense,“ she said.
“Engage with them, play, sing, learn about different cultures and especially, learn how to best care for them and each other.
“We don’t have to be perfect but we can do our best and be committed to their ongoing growth as well as our own.“
In a nutshell, You Be You is Anglicare’s platform supporting the community to learn about how to become a foster carer and what it entails.“Our You be You team are here to help us answer your questions when we can’t be there, so everyone is and remains connected throughout the recruitment process. They do this work to make sure that all kids are safe, supported and cared for,“ Madallon said.
For more information visit youbeyou.org.au
