Victoria’s first study of foster care system released

ALMOST 1400 children are relying on good samaritans to give them a bed every night in Victoria, the state’s first snapshot of foster carers has revealed.

Almost 1400 children rely on good samaritans to give them a bed every night in Victoria. Picture: iStock

• Demand for foster carers soars amid complaints over pay

ALMOST 1400 children are relying on good samaritans to give them a bed every night in Victoria.

The first state-wide snapshot of foster carers has revealed 1340 foster carers are opening their doors to needy children every year and one in eight families have provided a home for between 20 and 50 children during their caring carer.

Surprisingly, the inaugural study also found carers are most likely to have a bachelor degree or a technical qualification, which experts says debunks the theory that carers come from low socio-economic backgrounds.

The inaugural report by Foster Care Association of Victoria also revealed one in four carers did not have Australian heritage and a quarter of people cared for more than one child at a time.

FCA Chief Executive Office, Katie Hooper said the study provided an insights at a time when Victoria needed more people to open their homes.

``Carers come in all shapes and sizes and different family types,’ She said.

``Anyone can be a carer across the whole of Victoria and these children who can’t live with their families deserve to have great carers too.’’

Ms Hooper warned the latest study showed the average age of carers was rising and urged younger Victorians to get involved.

There is also an increasing need for same sex couples.

The report comes after the government announced a $1.6 million recruitment campaign this week to boost foster carer numbers across regional and metropolitan areas.

Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos called on more Victorians to open their homes.

“Every child deserves and needs a loving family — foster carers are the unsung heroes of our community, opening their hearts and homes to some of our most vulnerable children.”