‘Chronic shortage’: Mandurah family service worker’s appeal for more foster carers

About 300 children are in foster care in the Peel region.

Wanslea, one of two Peel community agencies coordinating these services, has 20 foster carers. 

Out of home care executive manager Stephan Lund said the service was for children up to the age of 18, who were forced to live away from home due to chronic abuse or neglect. 

“We match children with foster carers to give the child a safe home for however long is needed,” he said. 

Mr Lund said there were not enough foster carers to satisfy the demand in Mandurah.

“Mandurah is a significant area of need and one where we do a lot of work,” he said.

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“The real issue for us is the demand of placements exceeds the supply we have – we are chronically short of foster carers. 

“Everyday, anytime of the day or night, we are taking referrals from the Department of Communities to place children.

“We are having to turn down referrals because we don’t have homes to place the children.”

Mr Lund said it is then up to the department to determine how the child will stay safe.

“The department will put in a supervision order, constantly monitor the child who may still be in the family home or they could be placed in a residential care facility or a foster carer with other children,” he said. 

“It is not ideal to double up – children are already distressed and traumatised.””

Mr Lund said new foster carers were always needed, particularly Aboriginal carers. 

“More than 50 per cent of children who come into care are Aboriginal – that is a massive over representation,” he said. 

“It is important for us to keep them connected to culture and their own sense of identity.”

Mr Lund said keeping a child in the same area was preferred, if it was safe to do so.

“Often, the plan is for children to be unified with family or they remain in contact,” he said.

“We want to maintain their sense of belonging and identity. 

“If they are placed too far away it puts pressure on the family and child and we don’t want to break another connection with their school friends and support.”

Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk said it was the department’s aim to support families in providing a safe home for the children, so children can be reunified with their family.

“In some cases, reunification is not possible and a child may need to be in care until they reach adulthood,” she said. 

“In such circumstances, the welfare and best interests of the child must be the paramount consideration in determining a care arrangement that will best meet their long term needs.”

Ms McGurk said there was a need for “committed, genuine people who have the capacity to give children in their care a permanent, safe, stable and nurturing home”.

“Western Australia is always in need of caring people who are willing to open their hearts and homes on a temporary or long-term basis to look after children and young people,” she said. 

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer is encouraged to contact the Department of Communities on 1800 182 178.