My Forever Family NSW supports, trains and advocates for foster and kinship carers, guardians and adoptive parents who bring stability to the lives of children and young people in care. There remains a critical shortage of carers in the Hunter and New England area and more than 15,000 children living in out-of-home care in the state of NSW. 

My Forever Family NSW is calling on Hunter Region residents to consider opening their homes and their hearts to children in need by attending a free ‘Becoming a Carer for Kids Information Session’ on 6 March from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at Club Maitland City.

The session will raise awareness about the critical need for more people to care for children currently living in the state care system, and anyone who is interested in finding out what’s involved in opening their home to a child is welcome to come along.

The latest Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) NSW data shows that 2,016 children – an alarming 13.7% of all children and young people in the Hunter Region – are in out-of-home care, one of the highest percentages among DCJ districts.

The session will raise urgent need for carers for sibling groups in the region, to ensure that siblings in care can stay together and thrive.

Becoming a carer can be a life-changing experience, not only for the children but also for the carers themselves. Whether you’re single, a couple, or an empty nester with room to spare, the journey provides a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

Experienced carer Brydie has formed strong bonds with children she’s cared for and is passionate about keeping siblings together, “we provided care for 2-year-old twin girls that needed a home. It’s a daunting experience for a child when you’re in this situation where you don’t have a lot of control over your life and meeting strangers. That’s why that sibling relationship is so important, especially for children in out-of-home care.

“The sibling bond is a constant in their life and provides familiarity and comfort. It’s been so rewarding to help nurture that relationship and watch them laugh and share joy together.”

The in-person session will provide practical advice on the different types of care available, including emergency, respite and long-term care. Attendees will also learn about the support and training available to carers throughout their journey.

“We know there are people in the Hunter who have the compassion and stability to provide a safe and nurturing home for children who need it most,” said My Forever Family NSW Spokesperson, Michelle Stacpoole.

“This information session is a great way to learn more about becoming a carer for children, ask questions and hear from those who have already made the journey.”

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a carer, now is the time to take the next step. Join My Forever Family NSW and discover how you can help change a child’s life for the better.

Hunter Region Becoming a Carer for Kids Information Session:

Date: Wednesday 6 March 2025

Location: Club Maitland City (14 Arthur Street, Rutherford NSW 2320)

Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Free event – registrations essential

To register for the session or find out more, visit www.myforeverfamily.org.au/events or call 1300 782 975. 

You can find more information about My Forever Family NSW at www.myforeverfamily.org.au/

*Name changed to protect privacy 

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For all media enquiries or to request an interview, please contact:

My Forever Family NSW Media team

P: (02) 9189 2020

E: media@myforeverfamily.org.au

Available for interview:

My Forever Family NSW Spokesperson, Michelle Stacpoole

About My Forever Family NSW

My Forever Family NSW is a government-funded program operated by Adopt Change, designed to recruit,

support, train and advocate for foster and kinship carers, guardians and adoptive parents in the out-of-home care sector across the state of NSW. At My Forever Family NSW, we care for those who care for children. Our goal is to see all children receive the care they deserve, and all carers receive the support and training they need to enable children and young people to flourish.

My Forever Family NSW is the first point of contact for potential carers and guardians, providing them with

information about fostering, permanent care and adoption. Partnering with the Department of Communities and Justice (formerly Department of Family and Community Services), and with accredited foster care and adoption agencies throughout NSW, we work to ensure that there is a pool of quality carers available across the state. Through our engagement with the state government and child welfare sector, we advocate for systemic change on behalf of carers and the children they care for.