Fostering NSW

A pioneering new website, www.fosteringnsw.com.au, was launched at the Foster Care Week Carnival by Minister for Community Services Linda Burney and CEO of Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) Andrew McCallum to help recruit more foster carers.

People using the website can find information about becoming foster carers in NSW for Government and non-government organisations (NGOs).

Ms Burney said this was the first time one website had all the information people needed to know about fostering.

“Research shows that the internet is one of the main sources of information for prospective carers,” she said.

The website, which was developed with extensive consultation with NGOs, has independent advice on fostering with government and non-government out-of-home care sectors.

“It will make it easier for people to register their interest in becoming a carer and includes convenient links to all foster care agencies in NSW,” Ms Burney said.

“There will also be comprehensive information on the different types of foster care arrangements, ranging from short-term respite care to permanent care.”

Mr McCallum said the new website is the result of a partnership between the Government, ACWA and other NGOs.

“It is a great example of the new collaborative approach towards child and family wellbeing that is emerging under the NSW Government’s Keep Them Safe reforms,” Mr McCallum said.

NSW Foster Care Week 2009 was launched with the annual Foster Care Week Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday 13 September.

The carnival featured a free barbecue and activities for more than 1,000 foster families. Community Services is the major sponsor of NSW Foster Care Week which is coordinated by ACWA.