Foster carers needed urgently across Melbourne as pandemic causes strain
Right now, there are 10,300 children in Victoria in desperate need of a safe and loving home. See the list of suburbs where carers are needed.
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There are thousands of Victorian children at any time in need of foster care, government data reveals.
The Lighthouse Foundation is asking Melburnians to open their homes and help these vulnerable children.
Earlier this year the foundation began a new foster care program to help with the lack of support provided to those who care for Victoria’s most vulnerable children.
At any given time there are about 10,300 children in Victoria who need either temporary, medium or long-term homes, according to the latest state government data.
Of this number it is estimated 2000 children are under five years old.
The Department of Education and Training stated the coronavirus pandemic will see a rise in these numbers.
“It is anticipated that this rate will continue to increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with further children potentially entering the out-of-home care system as a result,” the statement read.
The Lighthouse Foundation urgently need 10 homes, and although it seems like a small number, it can take up to one year to find a suitable match.
The Lighthouse foster hub in East Ivanhoe has been established to provide support for families including proper respite, access to psychologists and specialist care teams.
Lighthouse Foundation CEO Simon Benjamin said opening the hub had brought to life a long-term plan to support children and carers.
“We have been dreaming of launching this program for well over a year,” he said.
“Now, thanks to the support of Quintessential Equity, we have finally been able to open our hub, which has been made a home.
“We are truly overwhelmed by the support of these companies who share in our vision – to provide a safe home and community for homeless kids to belong, heal and thrive.”
Lighthouse is now recruiting foster carers in the following suburbs.
AREAS WHERE NEW FOSTER CARERS ARE NEEDED
Alphington
Abbotsford
Victoria Park
Brunswick East
Clifton Hill
Collingwood
Eaglemont
Fairfield
Fitzroy
Fitzroy North
Rushall
Heidelberg
Heidelberg Heights
Heidelberg North
Heidelberg West
Ivanhoe
Ivanhoe East
Darebin
Macleod
Mont Park
Macleod West
Northcote
Croxton
Dennis
Merri
Westgarth
Preston
Preston West
Bell
Regent
Northland
Darebin Park
Rosanna
Banyule
Viewbank
Rosanna East
Watsonia
Watsonia North
Yallambie
Lighthouse Foster Care can provide support anyone available to open their home to a vulnerable child.
Melburnians are reminded applicants do not need to be married, have a partner, or children of their own to foster.
Theses myths deter many people from applying, the reality is anyone with an open mind and love to give is the perfect candidate to help change the life of a child.
An information sessions to learn more about fostering will be held on November 14 in East Ivanhoe, to find out more email, kirstyb@lighthousefoundation.org.au
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Contact Grace at grace.mckinnon@news.com.au