“Foster carers have a profound impact in shaping children and young peoples’ lives, and it is important that they know they’re not alone; that we as a community are here to support them.”
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That is the view of Gary Christensen, director of CatholicCare Social Services Hunter Manning and the catalyst for the decision to celebrate the contribution of carers during Foster and Kinship Care Week, from September 9 to 15.
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Catholic Care Social Services Hunter Manning joined forces with OneLife Church, Taree to host a community event on Sunday, September 9 aimed at celebrating and thanking carers in our community.
“Foster and Kinship Care Week is a great prompt for us, as a community, to stop and take stock of the important role carers play in supporting vulnerable children and young people, and their natural families,” Mr Christensen said.
Carers have a profound impact in shaping children and young peoples’ lives, and it is important that they know they’re not alone; that we as a community are here to support them.
- Gary Christensen
“There are thousands of children and young people across the Hunter New England area that Department of Family and Community Services have assessed as unable to live with their parents due to concerns for their safety and wellbeing.
“There is an overwhelming shortage of foster carers to care for these children, and the situation is now at crisis point.
“I understand that it’s not possible for everyone to be a carer, but this Foster Care Week I’d encourage everyone to consider how they may be able to support carers, children and young people in care.
“Perhaps you’re a former teacher and can provide tutoring to a child, maybe you can play an instrument and could share your talent with a young person, even assisting with laundry, cooking or running errands can assist carers and in effect, the entire family,” he added.
Mr Christensen said to learn more about foster care visit CatholicCare’s website catholiccare.org.au
CatholicCare will also host an information session in Taree on Thursday, September 20. To register for the event visit the website or call 02 4944 0700.
