The best Christmas gift you can give

Friday, 22 December 2023 

As the new year approaches, the NSW Government is asking the community to give a brighter future to a child in need by becoming a foster carer.  

Currently, there are 480 children living in emergency placements because there aren’t enough foster carers. 

Emergency placements include hotels, motels and caravan parks where children are looked after by shift workers 24/7. 

The government relies on foster carers to provide support to some of the 15,000 children in out-of-home care in NSW. 

Without additional community support, more vulnerable children will end up in emergency living placements.  

There are many types of fostering arrangements available, including short-term emergency and long-term care options.  

Carers receive training, support and an allowance to help them throughout their care journey. 

To learn more about becoming an authorised carer with a non-government organisation visit myforeverfamily.org.  

To learn more about becoming an emergency foster carer with DCJ email 

fosteringwithdcj@dcj.nsw.gov.au   

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said: 

“Right now, there are 480 vulnerable children living in emergency care arrangements, including hotels and motels, with 24/7 shift workers, because there aren’t enough foster carers.  

“Without loved ones or somewhere safe to call home, just think what Christmas will be like for these kids. 

“Across NSW, there are many wonderful foster carers putting up a Christmas tree with the young people in their lives, but we desperately need more. 

“There is no better gift that anyone could give than a safe place to call home, especially to children who’ve seen the worst and need it the most.  

“If you’re wondering how you can make a difference in the new year, please consider becoming a foster carer and giving a brighter future to a child in need."