Foster carers wanted

by Zel Cowie

April 28, 2008

A fostering agency that recently opened its doors in Fremantle says all carers it has approved have been matched with youngsters needing care.

“There is a great need to recruit foster carers in WA,” Key Assets Fostering recruiter Jan Alexander told eMU News. “People don’t understand that they don’t have to be a two-parent family with children to foster.

“We’re looking for a diverse range of carers to care for children with diverse needs.”

Key Assets recently won a tender to provide foster carers to WA’s Department for Child Protection.

The agency welcomes applications from singles or couples who can open their homes and their hearts to a difficult child or teenager. Successful applicants receive intensive training, on-going support from the agency’s social worker as well as 24 hour back-up.

Once approved to foster, carers are matched to youth referred by the Department for Child Protection.

Key Assets employs 10 staff, as well as consultants.

“We are raising the profile of fostering and support services to carers in WA,” Ms Alexander said.