A SHORTAGE in the number of foster carers in the Swan Hill region has meant some
children are unable to be placed in the local area, according to Mallee District
Aboriginal Services.
MDAS is currently appealing to the Swan Hill community
to change the life of a child by becoming a foster carer.
Mallee District
Aboriginal Services out-of-home care co-ordinator Kim Taha said although many
people seem to be interested in becoming a foster carer, very few go on to
become carers.
“For all the people who think it is something they would like
to do, the reality is that very few actually do go on to become carers — and we
desperately need more people willing to put their hands up,” she said.
The
service co-ordinates care for up to 14 children each day.
Both children and
carers receive ongoing support throughout the time the child is placed with a
family.
For more of this story, see Monday’s Guardian (December 9).
