Celebrating Foster Care Week 2024
As we celebrate Foster Care Week 2024, it’s an opportunity to shine a light on the remarkable work being done by our dedicated foster carers and the profound impact they have on the lives of children and young people in Victoria. At Lighthouse Foundation, our foster carers are the unsung heroes who make our work possible. Their commitment, love, and resilience inspire us every day. They open their hearts and homes, providing not just a roof over a child’s head, but a place where they can thrive.
Foster Care at Lighthouse Foundation
Foster Care is more than just about providing a home; it’s about creating a safe, loving, and stable environment where children and young people can heal, grow, and thrive. At Lighthouse, we believe in holistic care, which means addressing not only the physical needs of the children but also their emotional, psychological, and developmental well-being. Our Foster Care program is built on the principles of therapeutic care, ensuring that each child receives the personalised support they need.
Foster Care in Victoria: The Numbers
Foster Care is a critical service in Victoria, providing a safe home and support for thousands of children who are unable to live with their birth families due to various circumstances. The latest statistics are that over 10,000 children are in out-of-home care in Victoria, with a significant number in need of foster homes. This growing demand highlights the crucial role foster carers play in our community and the pressing need for more individuals and families to step forward.
Training and Support for Our Foster Carers
We understand that fostering can be both incredibly rewarding and challenging. That’s why we invest heavily in the training and ongoing support of our foster carers. From initial training sessions that cover the basics of Foster Care to advanced workshops on trauma-informed care, we equip our carers with the knowledge and skills they need to provide the best possible care. Our team of experienced professionals are always on hand to offer guidance, whether it’s through regular check-ins, 24/7 support, or connecting carers with therapeutic services for the children in their care.
Types of Foster Care
Foster Care isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. At Lighthouse Foundation, we offer various types of care to meet the diverse needs of the children and young people we support:
- Emergency Care: For children who need a safe place to stay immediately, usually for a short period.
- Short-term Care: Provides stability for children while longer-term plans are made, often lasting from a few weeks to several months.
- Long-term Care: For children who are unable to return to their birth families and need a stable, loving home for an extended period.
- Respite Care: Offers short breaks for other foster carers or families, helping to prevent burnout and ensuring continuous care for the children.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Foster Care Week is a time to celebrate the incredible work of foster carers and raise awareness about the ongoing need for more foster families. If you’ve ever considered fostering, we encourage you to reach out and learn more. Becoming a foster carer with Lighthouse Foundation means joining a community of compassionate individuals committed to making a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
AIHW Foster Care Data 2024: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/child-protection/child-protection-australia-2024/data
Victoria State Government – Child Protection and Care: https://www.vic.gov.au/foster-care
Lighthouse Foundation – Foster Care: https://www.lighthousefoundation.org.au/what-we-do/foster-care
