Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News

Foster carers call for improved supportForum for an opportunity to better comprehend the concerns of carers. By Portal Admin - 10th April 2018 - Back to News The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath and Shadow Minister for Families and Children Georgie Crozier have hosted an ‘Out of Home Care’ forum in the Latrobe Valley to give kinship and foster carers the opportunity to meet and share issues.
The forum, held in Traralgon on Tuesday, was attended by more than 30 kinship and foster carers from across Gippsland.
"These wonderful people do a vital service for society, providing a safe and nurturing environment for children in need of care," Ms Bath said.
"However, they feel that the system can be much improved."
"I have had a number of carers come to my office raising concerns around many aspects of the foster care system. Their clear primary concern is for the children in their care."
"The forum was an opportunity for carers to share and discuss their experiences with each other, and for Shadow Minister Georgie Crozier to hear how elements of the current system impact negatively on children and carers."
More timely education and early training, improving communication across the sector, better managing tiers and payments (reimbursement) for services were amongst the issues highlighted.
"The need to relay specific medical information about children in care was also a recurring theme," Ms Bath continued.
Ms Crozier said the forum was an opportunity to better comprehend the concerns of carers.
"It’s important for me to hear first-hand and understand what is happening," Ms Crozier said.
"These people are doing an extraordinary job on behalf of the community and care for some of our most vulnerable children."
"There needs to be better communication, better support and better education within the sector."
"Many people expressed that the support for carers is just not there."
"I would like to thank all those who participated and gave their time to attend this important forum."

Georgie Crozier and Melina Bath
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: support@gippsland.com

Related Articles- East Gippsland residents urged to foster dogs as Animal Aid Bairnsdale faces unprecedented influx and resource strain
Animal Aid Bairnsdale urges East Gippsland residents to foster dogs as rising numbers strain shelter capacity. Support, resources, and costs are provided, ensuring dogs receive safety, love, and a chance at adoption. - Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives. - Danny O’Brien thanks Gippsland community for generosity supporting foster children’s Christmas Giving Tree appeal
Danny O’Brien thanked Gippslanders for their generosity in supporting the Giving Tree appeal, helping ensure foster children receive Christmas gifts and feel remembered, valued, and cared for this holiday season. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor for decade-long failure to fund replacement CFA stations in Foster and Mirboo North
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for failing to replace outdated Foster and Mirboo North CFA stations, saying volunteers face unsafe conditions despite years of promises and growing community contributions. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to donate early to Giving Trees and help bring Christmas joy to foster children
Gippslanders are encouraged to donate early to A Better Life for Foster Kids' Giving Trees, helping ensure every child in out-of-home care receives a Christmas gift this festive season. - Darren Chester urges federal support for forest scientists making Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry
Darren Chester has urged the Albanese government to support credible forest scientists backing Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry, criticising activist influence and government bans harming regional jobs and communities. - Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local growers, highlighting family-owned 'Get Fresh Gippsland' business
Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to support local growers this Christmas, highlighting family-run Get Fresh Gippsland for supplying fresh, locally grown produce while strengthening the regional economy.
- Spring flows planned to support native fish migration and river health across West Gippsland
West Gippsland CMA's Environmental Water team is planning Spring river flows to support native fish migration, enhance river health, and balance environmental care with community enjoyment of waterways. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local artisans, makers, and small businesses this holiday season
Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent. - Allan Labor government invests $860,000 to support and strengthen Men's Sheds across Victoria
The Allan Labor government is investing $860,000 to support 31 men's sheds across Victoria, funding upgrades, expansions, and new equipment to strengthen communities and foster connection through shared skills. - Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions. - David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture. - East Gippsland Council launches Buy Local campaign to support businesses, jobs, and community vibrancy this festive season and summer
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to support local businesses, strengthen jobs, and keep the community vibrant throughout the festive season and beyond. - Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - Darren Chester delivers volunteer grant to support Traralgon RSL Bowls Group and boost junior participation
Darren Chester awarded a $1700 Volunteer Grant to Traralgon RSL Bowls Group, funding equipment to boost junior participation, support volunteers, and strengthen youth development as part of Gippsland's wider $63,000 program. - Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December. - Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to honour veterans and support the annual poppy appeal this Remembrance Day
Danny O'Brien is urging Gippslanders to honour veterans this Remembrance Day and support the annual Poppy Appeal, helping fund vital services for veterans and their families across the region. - Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship.
|
|