My Forever Family NSW supports, trains and advocates for foster and kinship carers, guardians and adoptive parents who bring stability to the lives of the 15,895 children and young people living in out-of-home care (OOHC) in the state of NSW. The NSW Carer Survey 2022 Report of Findings released today identifies a sense of fulfilment amongst Carers and tangible solutions to make an ongoing positive impact on the lives of children and young people in care.

Monday 1st May 2023: The NSW Carer Survey 2022 Report of Findings based on the survey responses of Carers across the state reveals stories of fulfilment and amongst a backdrop of commitment by NSW carers. With 15,895 children living in OOHC in the state of NSW, the voices of Carers amplified in the report provides a clear, concrete roadmap to continue improving the lives of these children and young people in state care.

The survey provides a rich source of data on the voice of Carers and highlights the critical role they play in providing a strong home-based environment for children and young people.

Respondents overwhelmingly indicated the satisfaction caring brings and their commitment to the role, with 76% rated their sense of achievement and fulfilment as 7 out of 10 or higher, with 18% scoring the highest rating of 10. On average, Carers rated their personal health and wellbeing in 2022 as higher than the rating provided by the general population in 2021.

Renée Carter, CEO of Adopt Change operating the My Forever Family NSW program, talks about the significance of the results. “The last few challenging years have highlighted how important the role of caring for children and young people in out-of-home care is and the vital place it holds in the community. Children need a family home and we need to ensure those who care for kids – kinship, foster, guardian and adoptive – are well supported. Carers have taken the time with this survey to share feedback so that we can continue working towards a better experience for Carers and the children in their homes. We sincerely thank Carers for their input in this survey and most importantly for the
dedicated care and support they provide. Becoming a Carer means opening your homes and lives to provide the everyday experiences of childhood in a safe and stable environment. We commend every Carer for sharing their experiences to help create better outcomes for kids in care.”

The survey results highlighted what is most important for Carers to see addressed, such as increased agency accountability and caseworker follow up, along with greater financial support for medical and educational expenses.

The Hon. Kate Washington MP, NSW Minister for Families and Communities says “Every day, Carers make
meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people, and the broader community. Our communities could not function without Carers providing safe and nurturing homes to support vulnerable children and young people with a variety of complex needs. It’s so important that everyone – from caseworkers to policy makers – understands the Carer experience so we can better support them to support others.”

“The needs of Carers and the children in their care are well identified in the report. We look forward to working with the New South Wales Government and our colleagues in the child welfare sector this year and beyond to continue supporting Carers in their important work,” concludes Ms Carter.

You can find more information about My Forever Family NSW at www.myforeverfamily.org.au/
For more information on the Carer Survey please go to https://www.myforeverfamily.org.au/about-us/carersurvey/

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