Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Melina Bath MP

Foster carers call for improved support

Forum 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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.