The Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) is calling on members of the LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex) community to consider fostering and potentially adopting children in need of safe homes and loving families.
ACWA CEO Andrew McCallum says there is a widely-held yet mistaken belief that LGBTQI people are ineligible to foster and adopt.
“Same sex couples are becoming an increasingly important part of the foster care base,” Mr McCallum said.
“Not only are they eligible to become carers and adoptive parents, but they are encouraged to do so.”
There are currently around 20,000 children in care across NSW and at least 660 additional foster carers are required over the next year to provide love, support, and possibly a permanent family for life, for those in need.
“We need all kinds of foster carers willing to open their lives to provide children safe, caring homes while their birth parents get their lives back on track or, if this is not achievable, providing them a lifelong home through open adoption,” Mr McCallum said.
“Children in foster care need someone to be their champion, to help them reach their potential and feel good about themselves.
“As long as children are loved, safe and cared for, that is what matters most.”
To find out more about becoming a foster carer or adopting from out-of-home care visit www.fosteringnsw.com.au or call 1800 236 783.
The Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies is the NSW peak body representing non-government organisations which provide services to vulnerable children, young people and their families.
Fostering NSW is a partnership between the NSW government and non-government foster care agencies and is managed by the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
To arrange an interview with ACWA CEO Andrew McCallum or a same sex foster carer couple please contact:
Sharon Broady
ACWA
P: 9281 8822
E: sharon@acwa.asn.au