The Minns Labor Government is boosting support for emergency foster carers by more than doubling the immediate crisis care payment, recognising the vital role foster carers play when children need a safe home urgently.
Emergency foster carers provide safe and loving homes for children or sibling groups at short notice, while child protection caseworkers find a longer-term placement. The crisis payment is intended to help carers with essential items such as clothing, nappies, food and other immediate necessities.
Emergency foster carers with the Department of Communities and Justice will receive $200 for each child to cover immediate purchases, up from $75 and the first increase to the payment in over two decades.
All foster carers are provided with an ongoing Care Allowance, along with additional financial and practical support to assist with the care of children. This year, the Minns Labor Government delivered foster carers their first real increase to the allowance in over two decades, boosting the fortnightly payment by 20 per cent. A carer for a typical 14-year-old is now more than $4500 better off each year.
The emergency crisis payment increase is part of broader changes to ensure more support is available whenever a child is placed into out-of-home care with minimal notice, whether during business hours or overnight, improving consistency and fairness across the State.
The increase to the emergency payment responds directly to feedback from carers and Carer Advisory Groups. It builds on substantial reforms to improve support for foster carers including paid parental leave for public sector workers, increased investment in training, and independent assistance and advocacy.
The Minns Labor Government is undertaking comprehensive reforms of the foster care system backed by an historic $1.2 billion child protection package.
This Easter, the NSW Government is calling on more people to consider opening their homes and hearts by becoming a foster carer. For more information, visit nsw.gov.au/fostercare or call 1300 770 240 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington said:
“Emergency foster carers do something truly remarkable. They care for children in crisis at short notice, providing them with a safe and loving home when they need it most.”
“When we came to government, I heard from foster carers that they hadn’t felt valued in years. Our reforms are designed to value and respect foster carers as key partners in keeping children safe.”
“This is a practical reform that reflects what carers have been asking for. Step by step we are delivering systemic improvements to make a difference for foster carers and improve outcomes for kids in care.”
CEO for Carers for Kids NSW, Renee Leigh said:
“Emergency Carers open their home at a moment’s notice to children arriving at their door with minimal belongings. Carers in our Carer Advisory Groups have raised the need for addressing set-up payments to assist carers purchasing immediately needed necessities including clothing and nappies. It is a win that their requests are being actioned, so they can sustain their vital roles.”
Department of Communities and Justice Secretary, Michael Tidball said:
“Emergency carers play a critical role in providing immediate stability and safety for children at a time of crisis.”
“This increase acknowledges the realities carers face when bringing a child into their home at short notice and strengthens our ability to support them to provide care that is safe, stable and responsive to children’s needs.”