- $17 million for the continuation and expansion of support services for foster and family carers
- State Government investing in foster and family carers to support children in out-of-home care
- Foster and Family Carers Week is celebrated from 29 July to 4 August
The Cook Government will invest $17 million towards ensuring the best possible support for foster and family carers, along with children in their care, across Western Australia.
The investment will enable the continuation of Family Carer Support Services (FCSS) in Perth, Pilbara, East Kimberley, West Kimberley and the Wheatbelt.
FCSS provides flexible and practical in-home support for family carers, including helping to develop their skills and support networks to provide a stable and nurturing environment for children in care.
The program is led by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and Community Services Organisations (CSOs). It prioritises Aboriginal children and young people to ensure culturally appropriate care arrangements are strengthened and sustained.
The announcement comes during Foster and Family Carers Week, held from 29 July to 4 August, which celebrates, acknowledges, and supports those who generously give their time to support children and young people in care.
Additionally, the $17 million boost also includes funding for the continuation and expansion of OurSPACE WA counselling services.
OurSPACE WA provides foster and family carers across the State with free telephone or videocall counselling by professionals experienced in trauma-informed and culturally responsive support.
The therapeutic consultation and support service empowers family and foster carers to better understand and meet the needs of the children or young people in their care.
This funding will support the expansion of the program to include foster and family carers from ACCOs and CSOs.
The program is funded by the Department of Communities and delivered by the Australian Childhood Foundation.
The funding will also sustain the independent advocacy and support for foster carers, currently delivered by the Foster Care Association of Western Australia (FCAWA).
FCAWA provides guidance and advice on carer rights, navigating the child protection system and access to peer support and learning opportunities for all carer members.
For further information on becoming a Foster Carer visit: https://www.fostercare.wa.gov.au
As stated by Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Government values the role of foster and family carers who are supporting some of Western Australia's most vulnerable children.
"Foster and Family Carers Week is a chance to say 'thank you' for the enormous contribution these individuals make in the lives of children in their care, and the wider WA community.
"This investment will ensure thecontinuation of support services and expansion of counselling support through OurSPACE for foster and family carers.
"Foster carers play a vital role in changing the lives of vulnerable children and young people by providing support, nurturing, guidance, and love."
As stated by Foster Care Association WA Director Fay Alford OAM:
"Foster Care Association WA is overjoyed to hear the news about the much-needed additional funding which will go towards enhancing the out-of-home care sector.
"This investment will improve support systems, provide better resources for family and foster carers, and ensure more effective care for our State's most vulnerable children.
"It will allow organisations like us to expand our services to further enhance children and carers' lives."
As stated by Australian Childhood Foundation CEO Janise Mitchell:
"Foster and family carers change the lives of the children and young people they care for. They inspire hope and create belonging.
"They build trust and safety for children who have experienced trauma as a result of abuse and violence. It is in the everyday interactions between carers and children that change happens.
"However, the challenges that children have experienced can be confusing for carers to understand and know how best to respond to.
"I am incredibly proud of the important support that we have been able to offer carers through the OurSPACE program over the past few years and to meet their needs and the needs of the children in their care.
"We are thrilled that this important program is now expanded and available to all foster and family carers across WA."
