More than 800 kids in need of care across the Moreton Bay region

There are already more than 500 foster and kinship carers across the Moreton Bay region but with more than 800 kids in care there is a great need for many more.

There is a need for more foster carers in the Moreton Bay region.

There are 509 registered foster and kinship carers in the Moreton Bay region — but there is a great need for many more.

As of September last year there were 806 children in foster and kinship care across the Moreton Bay Region.

There were 202 children in care in Redcliffe alone and just 135 approved foster carers.

UnitingCare Family and Disability Services Regional Manager for the North Coast Karen Chamberlain said they were seeing an ­increased need for different levels of care across the Moreton Bay region.

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It follows the launch of a new $2.6 million State Government campaign, calling for more people across Queensland to sign up as foster and kinship carers.

“(Foster carers) are some of the most selfless, generous and caring people in Queensland, opening their hearts and their homes to children who need love,” Minister for Child Safety Di Farmer said.

Deception Bay’s Pamela Gunnis and husband Des have been foster carers for 25 years.

In that time they have cared for 63 children.

“I was adopted and just wanted to give back to the community,” Mrs Gunnis said.

“We try hard to give them as normal a life as possible.”

While there are many challenging moments and days Mrs Gunnis said seeing a smile on a child’s face made it all worth while.

“It is so rewarding,” she said.

“Seeing them able to go back home, or come out of care and make a life for themselves or seeing them achieve well at school.

“That is what it is all about, seeing them grow.”

She said many of the children she had looked after came back to visit.

Mrs Gunnis said there was a good support network for foster carers in the Moreton Bay region, including a social group which meets up regularly.

She agreed there was definitely a need for more carers across the region.

Ms Chamberlain said there were many ways people could help, with some carers just offering support on weekends.

“What most people don’t realise is, that supporting in a small way can make a huge amount of difference,” she said.

“Becoming a foster carer can be very rewarding and allows carers to use their skills and life experiences for the benefit of others.”

UnitingCare also offers around the clock support for its carers with a 24 hour on-call service.

For more information phone UnitingCare on 1300 554 240 or visit qld.gov.au/fostercare