The NSW Department of Communities and Justice is boosting support for emergency foster carers by more than doubling immediate crisis care payments.
Emergency foster carers provide safe and loving homes for children or sibling groups at short notice, while child protection caseworkers find a longer-term placement. The crisis payment is intended to help carers with essential items such as clothing, nappies, food and other immediate necessities.
Emergency foster carers with the Department will now receive $200 for each child to cover immediate purchases, up from $75 and the first increase to the payment in over two decades.
“Emergency carers play a critical role in providing immediate stability and safety for children at a time of crisis,” said Department of Communities and Justice Secretary, Michael Tidball.
“This increase acknowledges the realities carers face when bringing a child into their home at short notice and strengthens our ability to support them to provide care that is safe, stable and responsive to children’s needs.”
The emergency crisis payment increase is part of broader changes to ensure more support is available whenever a child is placed into out-of-home care with minimal notice, whether during business hours or overnight, improving consistency and fairness across the State.
“This is a practical reform that reflects what carers have been asking for. Step by step we are delivering systemic improvements to make a difference for foster carers and improve outcomes for kids in care,” said Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington.
The increase to the emergency payment responds directly to feedback from carers and Carer Advisory Groups. It also builds on substantial reforms to improve support for foster carers including paid parental leave for public sector workers, increased investment in training, and independent assistance and advocacy.
“Emergency Carers open their home at a moment’s notice to children arriving at their door with minimal belongings. Carers in our Carer Advisory Groups have raised the need for addressing set-up payments to assist carers purchasing immediately needed necessities including clothing and nappies. It is a win that their requests are being actioned, so they can sustain their vital roles,” said CEO for Carers for Kids NSW, Renee Leigh.
The NSW Government is calling on more people to consider opening their homes and hearts by becoming a foster carer. For more information, visit nsw.gov.au/fostercare or call 1300 770 240 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
