Due to a critical shortage of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) carers in western Sydney, My Forever Family NSW is holding a free Becoming a Carer Information Session in Parramatta.
My Forever Family NSW supports, trains and advocates for foster and kinship carers, guardians and adoptive parents who bring stability to the lives of children and young people in care.
To find and inform potential new carers in Western Sydney, the free Becoming a Carer Information Session for locals will be held at the Parra Villa Function Lounge in Parramatta from 5:30pm on Thursday, August 25. The session will raise awareness about the critical need for more people to become involved in caring for children and young people currently living in the state care system.
The session will focus on the need for emergency carers for children and teenagers in western Sydney to ensure that children in care can thrive and continue to form strong bonds with their families and community.
Emergency care provides a secure home for children and young people for short periods of time, anywhere between 48 hours to a few weeks, providing a stable environment for a child while a longer-term placement is found.
Emergency carers play a vital role in providing security and warmth to a child when they are at their most vulnerable. Carers who are of a similar cultural background can provide that extra layer of support that comes through cultural safety, and become a part of a child’s extended family and network of support, over time providing guidance and mentorship and helping build a sense of security and community for the child or young person.
The information session will inform potential carers of the different options of care available and will be an opportunity to ask questions of local agencies, be introduced to the services of My Forever Family NSW, hear from a representative from the Department of Communities and Justice NSW, plus hear the first-hand experiences of current carers.
Authorised local carer Nes grew up knowing the love and kindness of her Turkish Muslim parents who informally welcomed children into their care. Today, she carries their legacy by providing safety and a nurturing home to children as a foster carer who provides Emergency Care.
“I’m very lucky to be a part of such an amazing thing we are doing,” she said.
“Fostering isn’t a job; it’s giving a life to those young children who haven’t had a chance to see how beautiful the world is.”
My Forever Family NSW Spokesperson Michelle Stacpoole talked about the significance of the program for the local community and the urgent need for carers, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
“We are looking for singles, couples, and families who can offer care to a child at short notice,” she said.
“Being a carer for kids is not a one size fits all and we encourage people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds to get in touch as they may be the unique carer a child needs to feel safe, especially through a shared connection to culture.
“These sessions are an opportunity to ask questions about becoming an emergency carer in an open and relaxed setting, and to chat directly with those who have lived experience as carers.”
For more information on this special online information session please go to http://www.eventsforchange.org.au/infosession
You can find more information about My Forever Family NSW at http://www.myforeverfamily.org.au/
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.