WILLIAM Campbell Foundation is seeking part time foster carers.
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The foundation have 93 children in foster care across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven and have years of expertise in matching children with carers and training foster carers.
Minnamurra’s Shirley and Alan Rowe have been caring for foster children on weekends, school holidays and in emergency situations for the past 12 months.
‘‘It has fulfilled a need in us to do something for our society and we do enjoy it, we have so much fun. We go on bike rides, swimming, to parks. The kids have a social life here, they love going to church and visiting our friends,’’ Mrs Rowe said.
‘‘We do wish we’d done it when our own kids were younger, a child close in age to our kids would have worked well. But we’re glad were doing it now we’ve got the time and the space. There is such a need for foster carers,’’ she said.
According to William Campbell Foundation’s Recruitment manager Ngaere Rayner, there is a pressing need for short time or respite foster carers like Shirley and Alan.
‘‘Foster care placements are strengthened when long term foster carers have an opportunity to have a break. We try to ensure all of our foster carers have the support and rest they need. Respite carers are a valuable part of a child’s support network and provide opportunities to develop positive relationships with other families alongside their permanent care family,’’ she said.
A foster care information session will be held on February 26 from 5pm at the Dapto Ribbonwood Centre. To register or for more information about foster care, contact 1300130585 or visit wcfoundation.org.au.