Amid critical shortage of carers in Nepean and the Blue Mountains, My Forever Family NSW comes to talk to people interested in becoming a carer for kids

Posted on 6 March 2023

My Forever Family NSW supports, trains and advocates for foster and kinship carers, guardians and adoptive parents who bring stability to the lives of children and young people in care. There remains a critical shortage of carers in the Nepean Blue Mountains area and 15, 895 children living in out-of-home care in the state of NSW.


To find and inform potential new carers in Nepean Blue Mountains region, My Forever Family NSW will hold a free Becoming a Carer for Kids Information Session for local residents on Tuesday 14th March from 5:30pm-7pm at Penrith Bowling & Recreation. The session will raise awareness about the critical need for more people to care for children currently living in the state care system, and anyone who is interested in finding out what’s involved in opening their home to a child is welcome to come along.


The Department of Communities and Justice NSW data for 2020 shows that a staggering 20 children and young people per 1000 are living in out-of-home care in the Nepean Blue Mountains region compared with nine in 1000 across the whole of NSW. These are children and young people who can’t live safely with their family and need a safe and nurturing place to call home.

The session will raise urgent need for carers for sibling groups in the Nepean Blue Mountains region, to ensure that sibling in care can stay together and thrive.

The information session will inform potential carers of the different options of care available and will be an opportunity to ask questions of local agencies, be introduced to the services of My Forever Family NSW and hear the first-hand experiences of current carers.


Experienced carer Brydie has formed strong bonds with children she’s cared for and is passionate about
keeping siblings together.

“We provided care for 2-year-old twin girls that needed a home. It’s a daunting experience for a child when you’re in this situation where you don’t have a lot of control over your life and meeting strangers. That’s why that sibling relationship is so important, especially for children in out-of-home care. The sibling bond is a constant in their life and provides familiarity and comfort. It’s been so rewarding to help nurture that relationship and watch them laugh and share joy together.”


There are many different types of care options available to suit individual and family circumstances, all of which will be covered at the information session.


My Forever Family NSW Spokesperson, Michelle Stacpoole talks about the significance of the program for the local community and the urgent need for carers.


“Being a carer for kids is not a one size fits all. There are many ways you can help children thrive. These sessions are an opportunity to ask questions about becoming a carer in an open and relaxed setting, and to chat directly with those who have lived experience as carers. It’s a chance for people to considering becoming carers now to understand the next steps and we also welcome people who are considering this option for the future to come along and find out more.”


For more information on the information session please go to https://www.eventsforchange.org.au/infosession


You can find more information about My Forever Family NSW at www.myforeverfamily.org.au/


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