THE Department for Child Protection (DCP) and Family Support is seeking individuals and families living east of Perth to consider a foster carer role for children.
DCP Midland Director Kylie Noakes said it was looking for committed people from as far north as Bindoon and as far south as Pickering Brook to care for children and young people in need.
Those considering becoming a foster carer who would like to find out more are invited to attend an information session at Cale House, Level 1, 52 The Crescent, Midland on Thursday February 16, from 6pm-8pm.
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READ NOW“At the information session, we will run through what it’s like to be a foster carer, and the support and training opportunities available,” Ms Noakes said.
“Foster carers are everyday people who enjoy looking after children, and will be willing to care for them on occasional weekends or short and long periods of time.
“Foster carers can be single women or men, married or same-sex couples, with or without children, or young or old.”
Currently, there are more than 350 children and young people in care, 43 foster carer households and 65 family carer households in the Midland district.
“More than 180 children in care in the Midland district are Aboriginal, and wherever possible they are cared for by their extended family, a member of their Aboriginal community or other Aboriginal carers,” she said.
“When Aboriginal carers are not available, the children are cared for by local foster carers.
“Every child deserves a permanent, safe and stable home, and for children in care this needs to occur as soon as possible to help them heal from the trauma they have suffered.”
For more information visit www.cpfs.wa.gov.au or www.facebook.com/FosterCareWa, or contact 1800 182 178.