‘Desperate need’: Althea Projects Wee Care hunts for new foster carers

Major prizes were given away in Willows Shopping Centre this week as a foster group tried to drum up recruitment during a critical foster parent shortage.

Althea Projects Paula La Rosa and program foster and kinship program manager Louise Skennerton with CK at Willows. Picture: Evan Morgan

Townsville is currently experiencing a dire shortage in foster homes, and the city’s largest foster group Althea Projects ramped up recruitment efforts this week with a pop-up prize stall in Willows Shopping Centre.

The stall was set up on Wednesday and operated until Saturday, running daily prize draws sponsored by BCF Townsville.

Althea Projects CEO Paula La Rosa said the agency recruits, assesses and supports their foster carers.

“Now is the best time to find out more if you have ever thought about being a carer,” Ms La Rosa said.

“There are many children in our community who urgently need family-based foster care placement. Townsville is in need of carers of every shape and size.”

Althea Projects Paula La Rosa and program foster and kinship program manager Louise Skennerton with CK at Willows. Picture: Evan Morgan

This includes young couples, singles, empty nesters, families with young children and more.

“We need you all,” Ms La Rosa said.

Originally published as ‘Desperate need’: Althea Projects Wee Care hunts for new foster carers