CareSouth Deniliquin, which covers this region, already supports 68 children and young people in its foster care program.
The dire need for more carers was revealed last week during Foster and Kinship Care Week.
“CareSouth is contacted every week by DCJ looking for carers for children and young people. But the reality is that we simply don’t have enough foster carers,” carer engagement team leader Darren Mitchell said.
“Foster Care Week is not only an opportunity to thank our wonderful carers but to encourage people to have a conversation about what it’s like to be a foster carer and breakdown any myths or barriers to becoming a carer.”
To help encourage others to become carers, Ethan and Brennan Black have shared their foster care journey.
They were living in Finley when they started fostering, but have since moved to Albury.
They both considered becoming foster carers before they became a couple.
“It meant we could be the parents we always wanted to be, while also helping kids at the same time,” Ethan said.
“It’s given us the opportunity to have a family. We love watching the kids thrive,” he continued.
“Some agencies wouldn’t consider us because we are gay. Right up until we spoke to CareSouth we didn’t think we could become foster carers,” Brennan added.
Now they care for four kids across “the whole age-range of experience”.
Mr Mitchell said he understands the cost of living pressures are impacting many families and that people may feel they don’t have the time or resources to bring a young person into their family at the moment.
But he said CareSouth provides an allowance, ongoing training to support carers, a 24/7 call centre where carers can reach out for help, and dedicated caseworkers who walk alongside carers on their foster care journey.
Those interested in becoming a foster carer are encouraged to contact CareSouth on 1300 554 260 or visit www.caresouth.org.au.
