Shortage of foster carers
Family services agency Wanslea has joined forces with the Department for Child Protection and Family Support in an effort to meet an increase in demand for foster care placements across the Great Southern.
Wanslea will manage the placement and wellbeing of children in foster care in the region from next month, and is working to recruit new carers.
Wanslea out-of-home care executive manager Stephan Lund said the organisation had a successful foster care management program in Perth and Mandurah, and expanding it to the Great Southern meant local children who were in need of foster care could stay close to home.
"We see it as a great potential benefit for children and families that children can stay local and we can provide good support," he said.
"That's accentuated for Aboriginal children, who often have a real connection to the country where they come from.
"Culturally it's very problematic to remove an Aboriginal child from the place they are comfortable and that they have a connection (to), because that's such a strong part of their being and their family's identity."
There are 181 children in foster care across the Great Southern.
Last year, there were 791 investigations for child abuse and neglect in the region, resulting in 169 significant concerns where the DCP intervened.
Mr Lund said the figures were alarming. "The other thing we know about child abuse is that often the investigations and the notifications are only the tip of the iceberg," he said.
"So what we are seeing there are the ones that have come to the attention of the authorities."
Katanning woman Lisa Martin has fostered more than 50 children in the past 10 years.
Ms Martin said fostering was a challenging, yet rewarding, lifestyle.
"You have to be ready for anything and be very flexible," she said. "But you can help people, you can offer a place where kids can relax and have a normal life for a little while, where they can be safe and be themselves.
"It's challenging, but if you can find it in your heart, go ahead and do it."
Wanslea will host information sessions for potential foster carers in Albany on March 8 and 28.
Call 9843 0070 or email fostercare@wanslea.asn.au for more information.
