With more than 1000 vulnerable Territory children in out of home care, the Foster Carers’ Association NT is encouraging people to sign up to become carers.
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The association is holding its annual Foster and Kinship Care Expo in Alice Springs tomorrow.
Foster Carers’ Association NT is hosting the event in Central Australia this year to help connect carers with resources and support networks for local children.
Foster Carers’ Association NT CEO Ann Owen said the recent Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory highlighted the need for more foster and kinship carers, particularly more Indigenous carers.
“There are currently 420 foster and kinship carers in the Northern Territory, but the number of children in care is rising,” Ms Owen said.
“Figures identified in the Royal Commission show 1032 children were in out of home care in 2015–16, compared to 748 children in 2012–13.
“We are encouraging people to find out about becoming a foster and kinship carer, where they can talk to current carers about their experiences and our advocates about how to become a foster or kinship carer.”
One of the resources to be showcased is the Honey Ant Readers, which have been translated into seven local Indigenous languages (Western Arrernte, Central Arrernte, Pitjantjatjara, Warlpiri, Luritja and Yankunutjatjara) to encourage and help young Indigenous children to enjoy reading.
This year the Foster and Kinship Care Expo 2017 will showcase the support services available with displays by St John Community Educators, Carers NT, Honey Ant Readers, Create Foundation, Relationships Australia and Alice Springs Library.
Foster Carers Association NT is an independent, non-government and not-for-profit agency that provides a range of services including advocacy, confidential advice, mentoring, creating networks for carers, training and professional development, as well as providing information and resources to help carers. Foster Carers’
Association NT has offices in Darwin and Alice Springs.