News

Have you ever thought about Foster Care?

Wed, 27 Nov 2013 07:44:00

A determined campaign to find new foster carers in North West Victoria is also aiming to find out what is stopping potential carers from taking up the role.

Mallee District Aboriginal Services has started a television, newspaper and shopping centre promotional campaign in the hope of easing its ongoing drastic shortage of carers.
“We hear the comment all the time from people that foster caring is something they would like to do or are interested in doing,” said MDAS Out of Home Care Co-ordinator Kim Taha.
“But for all the people who think it is something they would like to do, the reality is that very few actually do go on to become carers – and we desperately need more people willing to put their hands up.”
MDAS co-ordinates Out of Home Care for up to 14 children on any given day, and Ms Taha said while every effort was made to place children with local carers, it was not always possible.
“We have growing demand, but in the past two years we have had only a handful of carers come on board,” she said.
“People are often concerned about things like the amount of time and training it takes to become a carer, how big their time commitment needs to be and whether they need to be Aboriginal to offer care through MDAS.
“It’s true that there is quite an amount of training involved, as there is for providing out-of-home care with any organisation.  Of course, the time commitment can vary, from respite and emergency care, right through to long-term placements.
“And while we are very keen to recruit more Aboriginal carers, we also make very successful placements with non-Aboriginal families and we find other ways to meet the cultural needs of the children.”
MDAS has prepared an information kit for people interested in looking further into becoming a carer and training sessions are offered each month for potential carers.
“Our carers almost invariably describe the experience as one of the most rewarding things they have done in their life,” Ms Taha said.
“From the children’s point-of-view, a steady, caring environment is often the foundation for them to feel certain and secure again, and to thrive.
“It really is often a life-changing and life-long relationship.  And while it is certainly sometimes hard work, it is incredibly rewarding.”
Ms Taha said the Out of Home Care team was committed to providing strong support to carers to allow them to best meet the needs of children in their care.
“We are always the backstop for the carers in whatever challenges they meet – you are never on your own.
“We just hope this campaign will prompt people to think again, and instead of putting it off, will at least make the first step.
“Get our kit, talk to us, get the information – and then make up your mind,” Ms Taha said.
The MDAS Out of Home Care information line can be contacted on 1800 183 593.