More Kids In Need Of Foster Care

Illawarra Mercury

Monday March 24, 2008

By MICHELLE HOCTOR

THE growing number of Illawarra children in crisis has prompted Centacare to expand its foster care program.

Increasing rates of mental illness, domestic violence and drug and alcohol abuse across the state has resulted in a 30 per cent increase in children requiring fostering in two years.

Centacare has expanded its team to include acting general manager of out of home care Michelle MacMillan, carer recruitment and assessment co-ordinator Tammy McKee and case worker Sigrid Williams.

Ms McKee said there were more than 40 foster carers registered with Centacare in the Wollongong Catholic diocese, which covers the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and Macarthur regions, but more were needed.

"There's a lot of abuse and neglect and it's becoming quite common," she said.

Centacare director Kath McCormack said the fostering program provided long-term, short-term, respite and crisis care for children aged from birth to 12 years.

"Foster carers are very special to us," she said.

"They are part of a team who make a difference in the lives of children. We support our carers 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Carers are given ongoing training and financial support and can range from those with single-parent backgrounds to two-parent families.

Ms MacMillan said foster carers must have an understanding and empathy for the needs of the child.

"The children might have a whole range of factors impacting on them," she said.

An information session on the program will be held on April 7 from 6.45pm at Centacare Wollongong. Alternatively, contact Ms McKee on 4227 1122.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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