THE care of thousands of vulnerable young Queenslanders hangs in the balance, and the call is out to find new foster carers across the state’s south-east.
Mercy Community Services’ foster and kinship care services senior program manager Cheryl Burgoyne wants people to rule themselves in for foster caring, instead of thinking they’re either not eligible, or the process would unduly impact on their lives.
“Being a foster carer offers great rewards and challenges. It’s a big commitment and people need to think it through,” Ms Burgoyne said.
“People are usually aware of the challenges but they hear stories in the media that don’t talk about the rewards of fostering, and they often get a little bit nervous; but to them I say please, just give us a call and find out about what fostering really means.”
According to Ms Burgoyne, there is an immediate need for new foster carers throughout south-east Queensland, including the Redlands, Jimboomba and Beaudesert communities.
“I encourage people who might think they live in areas they assume are too remote. We really welcome their interest,” she said.
“There are probably some misconceptions about who can make an application. People might think they’re too old, for example, but retirees make excellent foster carers; and we accept applications from single people or couples, including same-sex couples and singles.
“We actually get quite a significant amount of single people making applications.”
Prior to becoming foster carers, applicants are required to attend interviews and undertake two days of competency-based training.
While the training is mandatory, the approach to its delivery is flexible.
The time commitment required of foster caring can put some applicants off, according to Ms Burgoyne.
“Some foster children require care just one weekend a month, or short-term emergency care, while others need to be taken on full-time,” she said.
Foster carers are fully supported with regular home visits and are able to contact support staff via email and a 24-hour on-call support service, linking them to local officers servicing their area.
Ongoing training, meetings and events are also part of the suite of carer support offered.
Foster carers also receive remuneration for the cost of foster caring from the Queensland government.
Those considering becoming a foster carer can access a comprehensive range of explanatory videos and detailed questionnaires about the fostering process. They can also read about those who have already taken on the role and weigh up their own compatibility.
Visit Mercy Community Services’ foster care site at www.caretofoster.com.au or contact 1300 863 678.
