This week is Foster Care Week, a week in which we can celebrate and recognise all those who make a positive contribution in the lives of vulnerable children and young people right across our country.
This year’s theme is “Today’s carers. Tomorrow’s future” – highlighting the role that carers can have in ensuring those in care have the best possible opportunities to succeed in the future.
Unfortunately, the incredible and selfless work of foster carers in Victoria is being taken for granted by the Allan Labor Government and the consequences for our most vulnerable children and young people are tragic.
Victorian foster carers have the lowest care allowance in Australia and has had no increase since 2016.
We know that children who should be placed in a loving foster care home, are instead being placed into residential care, or contingency placements, as more and more unsupported foster carers simply can no longer afford to open their homes.
The number of foster carers in Victoria has been in steady decline since 2020 and the number of households completing accreditation is also decreasing as a direct result of this government’s failure to support foster carers in their valuable work.
I am currently undertaking research into the foster care system in our region with parliamentary intern, Sheridyn Sandford, and look forward to being able to share the findings with you in the near future.
I want to thank all carers in our community that are upholding these values and working hard to provide a better life to those in need despite this hardship.
For the sake of all children within the system and their futures, I hope to see this Government ensure carers are provided with the support they need and deserve.
