This week also marks the exciting announcement of the 2025 Carer Recognition Awards, with nominations opening Tuesday 2 September. These awards will honour the dedication, compassion and resilience of carers who go above and beyond to provide stability and support for children and young people.

Celebrations will continue throughout September and October across regional NSW, with a series of picnics supported by Carers for Kids NSW and foster care agencies. These community events will create more opportunities to recognise, connect and celebrate carers locally.

Carers for Kids NSW is proud to support and advocate for carers, recognising the vital role they play in giving children and young people positive futures.

CEO of Adopt Change, operators of Carers for Kids NSW Renée Leigh said, “Foster and kinship carers are the heart of our child protection system. Every day, they provide stability and opportunity for children and young people who need it most. This week is about shining a light on their invaluable role and saying a collective ‘thank you’. The Carer Recognition Awards are an important way of celebrating and acknowledging carers’ extraordinary commitment, and we look forward to seeing nominations from across the state.”

Foster and Kinship Care Week NSW is an annual event celebrating the essential role carers play in giving children and young people safe and nurturing homes

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

~ END ~

For all media enquiries or to request an interview, please contact:
Carers for Kids NSW Media team
P: (02) 9189 2020
E: media@carersforkidsnsw.org.au

Available for interview:
• Renée Leigh (Carter), CEO Adopt Change, operating Carers for Kids NSW

The post Recognising the heart of care: NSW launches Foster and Kinship Care Week 2025 and Carer Recognition Awards appeared first on Carers for Kids NSW.

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 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 My Forever Family NSW at www.myforeverfamily.org.au.

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

With her trauma-informed approach, Julie is uniquely equipped to understand and address the complex needs of these children. By creating a stable and supportive environment, she helps them heal from past trauma and rebuild their sense of security. With a focus on facilitating a smooth transition to their permanent placements, Julie ensures that these young people have a solid foundation for their future.

Julie’s role extends beyond providing immediate care. She also plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the child and their permanent carers. Through fostering positive connections and offering guidance, she helps to create strong, lasting bonds between the children and their new carers, laying the foundation for successful long-term relationships.

Her dedication and compassion are nothing short of inspiring, and her work exemplifies the profound difference foster care can make in helping children to thrive.

Julie’s story is a reminder of the powerful impact one person’s love and care can have on a child’s life.

The post 2024 Part time Carer of the Year – Julie Cairncross appeared first on Carers for Kids NSW.

Constant and unwavering love and care for all her siblings, has been the driving force behind Tegan Gatley’s role as a kinship carer. From the moment she found one of her younger siblings facing homelessness in the midst of family grief and loss, Tegan stepped in and became her long-term carer. Although only young herself, Tegan was determined to ensure her sister not only had a roof over her head but also supported her health, education, hobbies and family connections.

There were challenges along the way and yet Tegan remained focused on looking after her sister through it all. This also led to her then opening her home for another paternal sister with high needs and behavioural issues.

Tegan concedes that there are tough days however, she finds it all “very rewarding” and has focused on nurturing her sisters and having a loving understanding of where they are at.

“An open mindset is needed when you are a carer, no matter what the situation,” she says.

Now at just 26 years old, Tegan is also the mother of a 10-month-old son, so her home life is busy.

With the youngest sister looking at getting back into the things she loves, such as swimming, dancing and athletics, and the older of the two sisters in Tegan’s care studying at TAFE, Tegan’s nomination reflected her consistent dedication to her caring role.

“At the end of the day family comes first, so I am glad I took them in and although life does get pretty busy, I wouldn’t want it any other way!” she says.

The post 2024 Kinship Carer of the Year – Tegan Gatley appeared first on Carers for Kids NSW.

“We seem to make it work. We integrate the kids we take on into our world and include them in the running of the household which we find provides a solid foundation of routine and belonging which makes them feel safe,” says Ali.

Their home has become a haven for teenage girls, where self-expression and healthy boundaries are encouraged. Understanding that change takes time, when new children arrive

Ali and Chelsea prepare a warm welcome, including personalised welcome books and involvement from their beloved pets. They ensure each child feels valued and comfortable, encouraging them to personalize their spaces and share photos of their birth families.

The couple says that many of the children they’ve worked with have taught them valuable lessons about themselves and have brought immense joy and laughter into their lives at unexpected moments.

Encouraging carers to connect with their support services and networks to assist in the caring role and not to underestimate their ability to make a difference, Ali says “It truly takes a village to raise children, and if full-time care isn’t feasible, there are opportunities for respite care. Every role is vital,”

The post 2024 Emergency Carers of the Year – Ali & Chelsea Anderson appeared first on Carers for Kids NSW.