Urgent call for foster carers in South Burnett

A community group has launched one of regional Queensland's biggest recruitment drives with organisers pleading for more carers to tackle an escalating crisis. For those already doing it, they say it has changed their lives.

The South Burnett Contributing to Community (CTC) launched one of regional Queensland’s largest foster carer recruitment drives in Wondai today.

Jason Erbacher, CEO of CTC, said there is a critical shortage of support in the South Burnett region and said carer numbers are at a crisis point.

“We need potential carers to step up, and we need them to step up now. Kids in our region deserve a safe place to call home,” Mr Erbacher said.

Angie Dingle, Jason Erbacher and Brenda Brown from CTC launched one of regional Queensland's biggest foster carer recruitment drives in Wondai today.

The campaign featured a moving call to action video with stories from young people and carers determined to raise awareness and make a difference.

The video moved some in the audience to tears, including Cr Kirstie Schumacher. She said the Partners in Foster Care team have “enormous hearts”.

“I hope this campaign helps start a conversation about how others can be involved,” Ms Schumacher said.

Lateesha Haim, 21, said being in foster care from eight years of age was the best thing to happen to her and appealed for more people to support children without a loving home.

“For someone else to be able to take on kids and love them as their own, it really changes your life,” she said.

Local parent, Josie has fostered more than 50 children.

“We’ve never seen a child not improve with love and time. Kids have one chance of childhood, you’d be helping them to heal and grow,” Josie said.

Attendees watched a moving video of foster carers and young people talking about their experiences during one of regional Queensland's biggest foster carer recruitment drives.

During this year alone CTC’s Partners in Foster Care has provided 160 placements for kids on child protection orders throughout the region.

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer or supporting the campaign is urged to contact CTC’s Partners in Foster Care.

“Every young person deserves a fair go,” Mr Erbacher said.