Heroes of child protection recognised

  • Child Protection Minister thanks foster carers during WA Foster Carers Week
  • WA Foster Carers Week runs from March 12-18 annually and is in its third year of operation in Western Australia
  • The dedication and selflessness of Western Australian foster and family carers will be celebrated during WA Foster Carers Week 2019.

    Foster carers make a positive difference in the community by providing a safe and supportive home for children who, for many reasons, cannot live with their parents.

    A range of celebrations will be held from March 12-18 to thank foster carers across the State, including a metropolitan brunch and local events in regional districts.

    On January 31, 2019 there were 2,043 foster carer households in WA with 5,262 children in care. The majority of children in care are in family care arrangements, but where this is not possible foster carers provide a safe and stable home for children in care.

    The Department of Communities is always looking for suitable foster carers from metropolitan, regional, rural and remote locations across Western Australia. To find out more about becoming a foster carer, visit https://childprotectioncareers.wa.gov.au/foster-carer-recruitment

    As stated by Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk:

    “The role of foster carers and family carers should not be underestimated – every day they are changing the lives of some of our most vulnerable young people.

    “When a foster carer steps into the life of a young person in care they provide them safety and stability but also a nurturing home where they have an opportunity to thrive.

    “Foster carers are everyday people – male, female, single, married, young and old – but also  the unsung heroes of child protection.

    “On behalf of the State and the children they care for, I thank them for everything they do.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.