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Join Rhema During Our Foster Care Week: September 16th-20th 

Last year, in the Hunter region alone, 2,106 children were placed in out-of-home care, highlighting the significant need for safe and nurturing homes. God is described as ‘a father to the fatherless’ and one who ‘sets the lonely in families’ (Psalm 68:5-6). As Christians, this call to care for vulnerable children resonates deeply with the Father’s heart, and we have the opportunity to make a real difference in foster children’s lives.

During Foster Care Week, September 16 to 20, we’d love for you to learn with us how to support foster carers, discover local foster care recourses and even consider how you can open your heart and home as a foster carer. Every child deserves a safe and loving home, and you can make that a reality!

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Foster care in New South Wales and Australia is a lifeline for children in need, with 10,373 kids facing significant harm and 15,223 in out-of-home care in NSW alone. There are approximately 9,000 foster homes across the country, where remarkably 51% of those foster parents care for multiple children. In 2020-21, foster carers as a whole faced a 2.27% decline in numbers nationwide, underlining the need for new carers to step up. Notably, children aged 10-14 are the largest group in care, at a pivotal stage in their lives. By considering becoming a foster carer or offering support, you become a part of the solution, helping these children build brighter, more promising futures in a safe home.

How to support:

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Send your thanks to Foster Carers in your community

You can make a real difference by offering encouragement and support to our local foster carers. By filling out a form of encouragement below, you’re not just sharing words—you’re helping foster carers continue their crucial work. Let’s come together to uplift these families, ensuring every child knows the love and security they deserve.

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Share our Post to Support the Foster Care Community

You can make a difference by sharing our post: ‘I CARE FOR FOSTER CARE’  posted on the 16th of September and tagging us with #ICareForFosterCare. Each share spreads awareness, encourages foster carers, and highlights the importance of providing safe and loving homes for every child. Join us in this mission and show the Hunter region that you care for foster care!

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Find out more about Foster Care

The need is GREAT, with over 15,000 kids in out-of-home care in NSW. If this topic has resonated with you, consider learning more about foster care. It’s a powerful way to make a lasting impact on a child’s life, providing them with the stability, support, and love they need to thrive. The NSW Government website outlines the key steps of becoming a foster carer including initial phone conversation, home interview, attending training, submitting your application, and interviews with case managers.

Head to Anglicare, Catholic Care and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for more information on the Foster Carer process.

 

Statistics were taken from Child Protection Australia 2020–21

 

Read stories of local foster carers

Foster Care Week: Amelia Gardner’s Story

The Journey of a Foster Carer: Faith, Love, and Unconditional Care   Foster Care Week serves as a reminder of the incredible work that foster carers do every day, changing the lives of young people in need. One remarkable foster carer who's passionate about...

Foster Care Week: Dean’s Story

 Dean's Journey through Foster Care: Overcoming Adversity with Resilience and Compassion As Dean bravely shared his story on-air, we got a peek into the challenges he faced as a kid navigating the foster care system. His story is a testament to the transformative...

Foster Care Week: Kelly Samway’s Story

The Journey of a Foster Carer: From a Single Adult to a Family Overnight    Have you ever wondered what it's like to go from being a single person to a full-time parent overnight? Kelly Samways, a passionate advocate for children's welfare and a former radio host...