Event details 

Date: Sunday 31 August 2025 
Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm 
Location: Blacktown Showground 
Cost: Free – but registration is essential 

Join us for a fun and memorable day out with: 

• Carnival rides and family-friendly activities 

• Delicious food stalls and refreshments 

• Live entertainment 

• A petting zoo 

• Opportunities to connect with other carers and families 

This event is open to: 

• Foster and kinship carers 

• Guardians and adoptive parents from the out-of-home care community in NSW 

• Children and young people in your care 

What to bring 

• A picnic blanket or portable chairs 

• Refillable water bottle 

• You and the children in your care – we’ll take care of the rest 

About the venue 

Blacktown Showground is a spacious and accessible park, located just a short walk from Blacktown Station. You’ll find: 

• Open lawns and shaded areas 

• Accessible pathways 

• Play zones for children 

Getting there 

• Parking: Free on-site parking available, with limited accessible spaces 

• Train: About a 10–15 minute walk from Blacktown Station 

• Bus: Routes 750, 751, 752, 753 and 754 from Stand A at Blacktown Station 

• Taxi: About a $15 fare from Blacktown Station (taxi stand located next to the bus interchange) 

Spaces are limited so secure your free tickets today and get ready for a day full of fun, connection and celebration. 

Register now

The post Registrations now open for the 2025 Foster and Kinship Care Week Picnic appeared first on Carers for Kids NSW.

Our five inspiring recipients exemplify the heart, dedication and resilience that underpin quality care every day.

Mandy received the Respecting the Hands that Heal and the Stories that Guide award. A long-standing Aboriginal foster carer, Mandy has cared for many children over the years and continues to open her home and heart to those in need. Deeply committed to restoration and family connection, she maintains strong relationships with birth families and ensures every child in her care feels valued and culturally connected.

Manseray and Bockarie were recognised for Bridging Cultures, Bridging Futures. Guided by compassion and cultural pride, this remarkable couple have created a safe and nurturing environment that supports family connections and celebrates cultural identity. Their commitment to providing stability, hope and belonging reflects a proud family legacy of caring and advocacy.

Margaret received United in Care, Diverse in Heart, recognising more than two decades of dedication to children, young people and carers in her community. She is a steadfast advocate known for her leadership, collaboration and empathy, always working to achieve the best outcomes for those in her care and the broader carer network.

Judy and Allan were awarded Compassion in Action, Excellence in Care for their lifelong commitment to caring. Over the years, they have welcomed more than 100 children into their home, creating a warm and supportive family environment where each child is valued and encouraged to thrive. Their dedication and consistency are a powerful example of care in action.

Lorraine received the Family Ally award, recognising her ongoing advocacy and dedication to the children in her care. She actively supports their connection to culture, family and community and is respected for her commitment to ensuring every child feels a strong sense of identity and belonging.

Carers often go unthanked, but their impact is immeasurable, and we were honoured to celebrate and recognise their incredible work.

A heartfelt thank you also to our generous supporters who helped make the Foster & Kinship Care Week 2025 even more special with gifts for our award recipients: Margaret Restaurant, Q Station, The Old Salt Bush, Aanuka Beach House, Burnt Orange, Mr Roses and Discover Mildura.

To all carers across NSW – thank you for your unwavering commitment, compassion and care. Your dedication changes lives every day and we are proud to celebrate you.

The post Honouring carers at the 2025 Carer Recognition Awards appeared first on Carers for Kids NSW.

The 2026 Carer Recognition Awards are an opportunity to celebrate this work and recognise the people who go above and beyond to support children and young people in their care. 
 
Nominations are open and it’s time to acknowledge the carers whose dedication, compassion and care make a lasting difference across our communities. 

If you know a carer who deserves recognition, now is your chance to celebrate their impact and shine a light on the vital role they play! 

Important dates

Nominations close: Tuesday 26 May 2026 
Awards event: Friday 5 August 2026 

Award Categories

Each award category highlights a different aspect of this care and the role it plays in helping children and young people feel safe, supported and a true sense of belonging. 

Heart of Compassion  
Honouring a carer whose kindness is at the centre of all they do. Chosen by the community, they create meaningful change through empathy, dedication and everyday acts of compassion.  

Connections that Matter  
Celebrating carers who place children at the heart, nurturing connection, healing and belonging through understanding and care.  

Deadly Carer of the Year (Aboriginal Carer Award)  
Recognising an Aboriginal carer whose strength and care are grounded in culture, honouring Country and fostering connection, identity and belonging.  

Stronger Together  
Honouring those who bring people together in support of children and young people, embracing diversity and leading with respect, empathy and collaboration.  

Embracing Cultural Belonging – CALD Award  
Celebrating carers who honour culture and nurture identity, creating inclusive spaces where children feel a true sense of belonging. 

Carers play an ongoing role in supporting children and young people through everyday care, guidance and connection. Much of this work takes place quietly, but it is central to creating stability and helping children feel safe, supported and connected over time. 

The Carer Recognition Awards ensure this contribution is recognised and given the attention it deserves. 

The post Shine a Light on Exceptional Care: Nominations Open for the 2026 Carer Recognition Awards appeared first on Carers for Kids NSW.

Every child has their own story and every experience of caring is unique. For our 2026 Carer Recognition Awards recipients, caring has meant helping children stay connected to family and culture, advocating for the support they need and encouraging them as they grow in confidence and independence. 

The impact can be seen in the everyday moments that matter: a child feeling safe enough to try something new, siblings maintaining a meaningful relationship, a young person reaching an important milestone or simply knowing they have someone in their corner. 

Each of this year’s recipients has made a difference in their own way. We are proud to celebrate their stories and recognise the dedication, compassion and commitment they bring to the lives of children and young people.

Danielle and Roxanne 
Heart of Compassion Award 

For Danielle and Roxanne, being a carer means making sure children know they have someone in their corner. 

They understand that children and young people in care may not always have people advocating for them or reminding them of their strengths, and that is where they can make a difference. 

“Kids in this situation often don’t have people rooting for them. They may not have someone willing to step in and hold their hands, tell them that they’re worthy, lift them up and help connect them to the supports and things that they need.  

“We can, so we do.” 

That commitment shapes the way they care. They’ve learned Auslan to support the communication needs of children in their care, travelled countless hours to help maintain important family relationships and worked alongside families to strengthen children’s sense of connection and belonging. 

One particularly special moment came when a child took her first steps while in their care. 

“That was a really proud moment of seeing her feel the strength in her body to be up and mobilised.” 

Danielle and Roxanne explain that moments like this are about recognising each child’s individual journey and celebrating their progress along the way.  

Their approach is grounded in patience, advocacy and a belief in every child’s potential. 

Brione 
Connections that Matter Award 

Keeping children connected to the people who matter to them is at the heart of Brione’s role as a carer. 

When siblings in her care were living separately, Brione made it a priority to help them spend time together and maintain their relationship.  

She made regular visits possible and, over time, those visits grew into something much more meaningful. 

“I used to have their sister come once a month to maintain that family connection, and in the end, she refused to leave.” 

Those connections have continued to grow over the years. Brione also developed a relationship with the children’s parents, grandparents and wider family, creating a strong network of connection around the children.  

Seven years on, those family relationships remain strong. 

“We started to develop a relationship with Mum and Dad and Nan and Pop. Now we have informal contact with families. They come to our home.” 

Brione says that supporting sibling relationships is about recognising the importance of these connections throughout a child’s life. 

“If they can have that positive connection with their siblings,  that’s really important.” 

Rebecca and Christopher 
Deadly Carer of the Year Award 

Rebecca and Christopher share how caring is deeply connected to culture, Country, family and identity. 

As Aboriginal kinship carers, they understand the importance of helping young people stay connected to who they are while supporting them to build confidence, independence and a strong sense of self. 

Some of the most rewarding moments have been watching the young people in their care reach milestones and become more independent.  

From finishing Year 12 to getting a first car and starting a job, these achievements have been moments worth celebrating. 

“She got her first car and a job – building that independence with her was exciting.” 

Their caring journey has taught them the importance of patience and persistence.  

“You must have patience and not give up. They’re used to that. They want you to give up – but they actually do need you.” 

For Rebecca and Christopher explain how helping young people understand their background is an important part of supporting their future. 

“You need to know where you’ve come from and where you’re going to be. You can’t move forward unless you know your background, and it helps build the person that you go on to be.” 

Rebecca and Christopher are helping young people stay connected to culture and identity while giving them the confidence to take their next steps. 

Sarah and Chevaun 
Stronger Together Award 

Sarah and Chevaun work closely with families, professionals and support networks, bringing people together and continuing to ask questions when something is not working for a child. 

They explain how advocating for the children in their care means making sure their needs are heard and that the right support is there when they need it. 

“We’re kind of the squeaky wheel, and we just keep pushing until we get the result that we think the kids deserve.” 

Their persistence has helped create opportunities for the children in their care and they have seen the impact that the right support can have. 

They reflect on one significant moment where they saw a young person develop a positive relationship with school. 

What had once been a significant challenge became something they genuinely looked forward to. 

“It went from a kid not going to school at all to now actually being disappointed in the holidays because she’s not at school.” 

Caring has also been a journey of learning. Patience and perseverance have become just as important as advocacy and they speak about the joy that children bring into their lives. 

“Patience, perseverance … they just bring more joy. You can’t not smile when you see them.” 

At the centre of their approach is a commitment to keep listening, keep advocating and keep looking for ways to support the children in their care. 

David and Benjamin 
Embracing Cultural Belonging Award 

For David and Benjamin, supporting a child means embracing every part of their story, including their family, culture, language and connections. 

They’ve made it a priority to support a child’s connection to his Vietnamese heritage and birth family, creating a home where these relationships are recognised, respected and celebrated. 

“There is so much joy in seeing him connected, developing well, seeing him grow –  especially with birth family.” 

David and Benjamin reflect on a special moment at daycare, when the child proudly shared his family story with friends. 

“He explained that he had three daddies and one mummy”, they share – naming both his carers and his birth parents. 

Hearing him speak so proudly about his family was a special moment. 

“It’s his family. It’s his connection.” 

Their own connection with the child’s birth family has also been strengthened through language. Being able to speak the language of his birth parents has helped them build trust and maintain a meaningful relationship with his family. 

“We speak the language of his birth parents, and that is immeasurably helpful in maintaining and building the trust and the relationship and connection.” 

Their commitment to family and culture is helping create a strong foundation for a child to grow, develop a sense of belonging and understand their own story.  

For David and Benjamin, every part of that story has a place and every important connection is worth nurturing. 

While the experiences of our 2026 Carer Recognition Award finalists and recipients are different, they share a commitment to helping children and young people feel safe, connected, supported and valued. 

We are proud to recognise everyone celebrated through this year’s awards and the difference they make in the lives of children, young people and families across NSW. 

Congratulations to all our 2026 Carer Recognition Award finalists and recipients, and thank you for everything you do. 

We gratefully acknowledge and thank the generous businesses and organisations who have donated gifts for this year’s award recipients. Your support helps us celebrate and recognise the remarkable contributions of our carers and community.

• B Farm
• Bootleg Bathurst / Bootleg Dining
• Burnt Orange
• Circa 1928
• Dubbo Rhino Lodge
• Glenayr Farm
• Gooree Park Wines
• Grace Hotel / The Grace Hotel
• Gymea Eco Retreat
• il Postino Osteria
• Jervis Bay Stargazing
• Lilianfels Blue Mountains
• Mr Roses
• Mucho Hospitality Group
• Old Salt Bush / The Old Salt Bush Restaurant
• Our Italian Table
• Salter Brothers Hospitality
• Shellharbour Wild
• Sydney Seaplanes
• Tea Gardens Boatshed
• Tempus Katoomba
• The Kyah
• Wellington Caves

The post Five stories of care, connection and belonging  appeared first on Carers for Kids NSW.

Each year, this special event brings our carer community together to celebrate and recognise the incredible role foster carers, kinship carers, guardians and adoptive parents play in providing safe, nurturing and stable homes for children and young people across NSW. This year’s circus theme promises a fun-filled day with entertainment, activities and plenty of opportunities to connect. 

If you know a carer who deserves recognition, now is your chance to celebrate their impact and shine a light on the vital role they play! 

Event details

Date: Sunday 30 August 2026 
Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm 
Location: Whitlam Leisure Centre, Memorial Avenue, Liverpool 
Cost: Free – registration is essential 

Theme: Circus – dress-up encouraged (with prizes on offer for the best dressed) 

What’s in store? 

Join us for a day packed with exciting activities, including: 

• Awesome rides 
• Circus skills workshops 
• Live entertainment and performances 
• Delicious food stalls 
• Free barber services 
• A petting zoo 
• Family-friendly activities 

PLUS, plenty more show-stopping surprises! 

Who can attend? 

The picnic is open to: 

• Foster carers and kinship carers 
• Guardians and adoptive parents in NSW 
• Children and young people in your care and their families 

Getting there 

Please enter via Memorial Avenue. 

PARKING – There is extensive on‑site parking, with a limited number of accessible (disabled) parking spaces available. 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT – Trains run to Liverpool Station on the Inner West & South Line. Alternatively, Bus Route 861 (Miller–Liverpool) runs past the centre approximately every 30 minutes. 

WALKING – The Leisure Centre is approximately a 19‑25 minute walk from Liverpool Station. 

TAXI – The nearest taxi rank is located on George Street (outside Westfield Liverpool) and is approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the Leisure Centre.

The post Roll Up, Roll Up! Join Us for the 2026 Sydney Foster and Kinship Care Week Picnic appeared first on Carers for Kids NSW.

The picnic has become a tradition to mark Foster and Kinship Care Week NSW – dedicated to recognising the vital role of foster and kinship carers. This year’s event brought together carers, families and friends to enjoy the sunshine, share food and create memories.

Children threw themselves into the rides, face painting and bubble play, while families settled on picnic blankets and chairs to enjoy live entertainment. From big smiles to little moments of connection, the day was filled with energy and warmth.

As the first event in this year’s Foster and Kinship Care Week NSW, the picnic was more than just a gathering. It was a celebration that opens the week with positivity, reminding us of the joy and resilience that sit at the heart of foster and kinship care.

We’re delighted to share the highlights:

The 2025 Foster and Kinship Care Week Picnic was a wonderful way to launch the week. Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported the event – and stay tuned for more events and stories celebrating foster and kinship care.

Learn more about our support here.

The post See the highlights from our 2025 Foster & Kinship Care Week Picnic appeared first on Carers for Kids NSW.

Join Tyler, Carer Support Officer at My Forever Family NSW, for an in-person session where she’ll share what it really means to be a carer and gain valuable insights and practical advice to support you on your journey. 

Read her Q&A for more details. 
   
1. How long have you worked with My Forever Family NSW?   
I’ve been with the organisation for nearly three years, working on the Carer Support Team.   

2. What inspired you to become involved in supporting carers, and what do you find most rewarding about it?   
What truly drives me is seeing the positive impact we can have on carers’ lives, helping them feel supported and empowered in their role. Sometimes, it’s simply listening and providing resources that clarifies the complex system they navigate.  

Other times, it’s about helping them advocate for themselves, pushing for better policies that affect their daily lives.  

Over the past three years at My Forever Family NSW I’ve learned so much about empathy and resilience not just from the carers themselves, but from the stories they share about the young people they care for.   

3. What can people expect to learn at the Hunter in-person information session that they might not get from an online session?   
At our information sessions, we provide an overview of foster care and the various types of care that might be the best fit for different personal situations.  

What makes our in-person sessions unique is the chance to engage directly with agencies and DCJ representatives.  

This face-to-face interaction offers attendees the opportunity to ask questions and determine if fostering is the right path for them.  

A key highlight is the presence of an experienced carer who shares valuable insights from their own journey. They will answer questions and offer real-life examples of different care types including short-term, emergency, long-term, short-term restoration and respite care.   

4. What are some of the biggest misconceptions about being a carer and how do the information sessions help address them?   
A common misconception is that only people in traditional family structures can become carers. Many think that being single or part of a same-sex relationship disqualifies them, but that’s simply not the case.  

We are actively seeking diverse carers and encourage anyone interested to attend our free information session to explore if becoming a carer for kids is the right fit.  

Our guest speaker, an experienced carer, will also address common misconceptions, shedding light on both the rewards and challenges that come with fostering.   

5. Why do you think attending in person makes a difference for people considering becoming a carer?   
Attending in person offers a deeper, more personal experience. It gives potential carers the chance to engage directly with our guest speaker and ask them about their unique fostering journey. There’s also the opportunity to speak with local agencies and DCJ staff, who can provide valuable information about caring with them. This face-to-face interaction creates a more supportive, comfortable environment to ask questions and make informed decisions.   

6. What kind of support and community do carers receive, and how does the in-person session help people connect with that community?   
Our in-person sessions provide a chance for potential carers to connect with others who are considering the same life-changing journey.  

It’s also a great opportunity to meet members of our carer support team, who offer ongoing advocacy and support once carers are authorised.  

Additionally, we help link carers with local support groups, ensuring they have a network of peers to lean on for advice and encouragement.   

7. Can you give us a sneak peek of any guest speakers at the upcoming session?   
Absolutely! We’re fortunate to have a guest speaker who is an experienced carer and has provided all types of care to children over the years.  

Her experience spans from long-term care to emergency placements, short-term restoration and respite care. She’ll share her personal journey, answer questions and offer valuable insights into what life as a foster carer really entails.   
   
8. What advice would you give to someone who’s on the fence about attending?   
I’d encourage anyone who is considering foster care to attend this free, informative session. It’s a no-pressure environment where you can ask any questions about becoming an authorised carer and hear directly from someone who has been through the process.  

You’re not committing to anything by attending, just taking the first step to gather information.  

Our recruitment team will follow up in the coming weeks, and if you’re still interested, we’ll support you throughout the authorisation process.   
   
To register for our upcoming in-person information session in the Hunter Region click here. 

The post Thinking about becoming a carer? We’re here to guide you.  appeared first on Carers for Kids NSW.

1. Talk about the holidays 
   Open conversations about the holiday season can help children feel included and valued. Supporting children in care during holidays starts with discussing their past experiences at this time of year and what holidays mean to your family. Ask for their ideas on how to make celebrations special, incorporating traditions from their culture or background. Honoring their customs, festivals and beliefs alongside your own develops a sense of belonging and connection.
    
2. Include them in festive activities 
   Writing a letter to Santa, creating decorations or preparing for a celebration can make the season magical. If it’s their first holiday season with you, reassure them that they are part of the festivities. Adapt activities to suit diverse cultural and religious traditions, so all children feel equally valued and engaged. 
    
3. Acknowledge emotions 
   The holidays can be emotional, particularly for children missing their family or worried about loved ones. Let them know it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. Encourage open conversations about their feelings, making a special effort to ensure they feel supported and included. 
    
4. Maintain routine where possible 
   Routine provides stability and comfort for children. Try to keep daily schedules consistent, or if changes are unavoidable, use a calendar or planner to outline holiday activities. This helps children feel prepared and reduces anxiety about the unknown. 
    
5. Avoid setting expectations 
   Every child experiences the holidays differently. Avoid putting pressure on them to feel or act a certain way. Give them the space to express themselves naturally and respond with patience and understanding. 
    
6. Facilitate connections with loved ones 
   Arrange visits, phone calls or video chats with their family or other important people in their lives during the holiday season. Work with your agency to organise this early. Encourage the child to make cards or choose gifts for loved ones, reinforcing their bonds and helping them stay connected. 
    
7. Be prepared 
   Keep contact details for your agency and My Forever Family’s out-of-hours support handy in case you need assistance during the holiday period. Being prepared ensures you can focus on creating a joyful, stress-free experience for everyone. 

By celebrating the holiday season in an inclusive and thoughtful way, supporting children in care during holidays can help create lasting memories and a strong sense of belonging for the children in your care. 

The post Holiday tips: Creating a warm and inclusive season  appeared first on Carers for Kids NSW.

By: Cassidy Pearce

April 24, 2024

In the Nepean and Blue Mountains areas, there are currently 1717 children and young people living in out-of-home care, making up 11.7 per cent of all children and young people in out-of-home care in the state who can’t live safely with their family.

It’s for this reason that My Forever Family NSW is targeting a campaign towards local families, with an abundance of ways for you to help.

According to My Forever Family NSW spokesperson Michelle Stacpoole, these local statistics are incredibly alarming, and are representative of the need in the area.

“Across the state, we have almost 15,000 children and young people living in care. We do find that the need for carers in regional areas such as the Blue Mountains and beyond is higher as opposed to the inner areas and major cities, where the percentage of children and young people in care is a little bit lower,” she said.

“That’s why we’re targeting this campaign in the Mountains area and through the Nepean area as well, because we really do need people in the community to step up now more than ever to consider opening their homes and providing a safe place for these kids and, in particular, teenagers in the area.”

However, it’s not just in these areas that carers are needed, with a decline being seen across the state.

“We do know that the carer population is ageing, and ageing out of being able to provide care for children and young people, and unfortunately we are seeing, particularly since COVID, less people in a position to open their homes to young people in need. Conversely, we still have hundreds and thousands of children in the state who do need a safe place to call home,” Stacpoole said.

There are many different types of care, with caring for children and young people not a one size fits all scenario.

“If you are able to provide that long-term and permanent care, that’s fantastic, but also there are things such as short-term and part-time care, and emergency care, which is caring for children and young people for a shorter amount of time whilst more suitable care arrangements can be found,” Stacpoole said.

“We know for busy working professionals, they may not be able to open their home on a permanent basis, but they may have time on weekends to be able to provide some care to extend the support network for a child or young person.”

In the Nepean and Blue Mountains areas, My Forever Family NSW is in need of carers who can specifically support teenagers, allowing them to stay connected with their school and friends in the local area.

“[We’re looking for someone] who has the time and the skills to provide that safe space for a teenager, and also understands what it’s like to navigate those teenage years, so the homework commitments, the sporting commitments, all those teen-related issues that can arise,” Stacpoole said.

The role of a carer is an extremely rewarding one, with Stacpoole encouraging anyone who has ever considered getting involved to do so.

“When it comes down to it, you could be the person or the carer to make a difference in a young person’s life. To provide that stability and that support that comes from having a safe place to sleep, and a place to play, and to support and to learn, and so that these kids know where their next meal is coming from, they know that they’ve got a roof over their head, and that they’ve got someone in their corner supporting them,” she said.

You can find more information about Carers for Kids NSW at www.carersforkidsnsw.org.au.

The post More carers needed in Penrith, Blue Mountains appeared first on Carers for Kids NSW.

For children and young people in out-of-home care, sibling relationships are among the most important connections they have. When children enter care, they’re often experiencing one of the most difficult times in their lives.  

Keeping siblings together provides stability, comfort and a sense of belonging that can make all the difference. 

What are the benefits of keeping siblings together? 

1. Stability and emotional security 
Being placed in care can be a confusing and distressing experience for children. Having a brother or sister by their side provides a familiar, trusted bond that helps ease the transition. Research shows that siblings who remain together in care experience greater emotional security and adjust more easily to their new environment. 

2. Stronger lifelong connections 
Sibling relationships are often the longest-lasting connections in a person’s life. Keeping siblings together in care helps maintain and strengthen these relationships, providing an important source of love and support well into adulthood. 

3. Improved mental health and wellbeing 
Separation from family members can lead to feelings of isolation and grief. When siblings are kept together, they experience fewer feelings of loneliness and loss. Studies have shown that children who remain with their siblings in care have more positive mental health outcomes compared to those who are separated. 

4. Positive educational and social outcomes 
Children placed with their siblings often achieve more in school and build stronger social connections. With their brother or sister by their side, they feel more confident in forming relationships and navigating new experiences. This sense of security positively impacts their education and social development. 

5. Connection to identity and culture 
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, maintaining family and kinship ties is essential for their connection to identity and culture. Keeping siblings together ensures they grow up with a shared understanding of their heritage, traditions and community. 

How you can help 

Becoming a carer for siblings is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference in the lives of children in need.

As a carer, you can provide a safe, stable home where siblings can grow and thrive together. 

Open your home and heart to a sibling group by taking the next step.  

Enquire about becoming a carer or join one of our free information sessions to learn more about how you can help keep siblings together. 

The post Stronger together: The lifelong benefits of keeping siblings together in care   appeared first on Carers for Kids NSW.