Fostering Hope:
The Urgent Need for More Foster Carers at
Parkerville Children and Youth Care
Every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment to grow, learn, and thrive. Unfortunately, not all children have the privilege of growing up in secure and stable environments, and that’s where foster care plays a crucial role. At Parkerville Children and Youth Care, we’re committed to the welfare of children and young people and are currently facing a pressing challenge: the shortage of foster carers.
Our need for foster carers has intensified due to recent developments. Parkerville has been awarded an exciting new project by The Western Australia Government to implement the ‘Our Way Home’ model. This innovative approach aims to address the disruptions caused by the current system, preventing children from losing touch with significant people in their lives and experiencing instability through multiple placements and involvement with various agencies. Research strongly supports the model’s emphasis on maintaining connections with family, even in imperfect environments, as it correlates with better outcomes for children.
With this new contract, our need for foster carers has increased by 65%. This urgent call highlights the crucial need for compassionate individuals and families to step forward and provide a loving environment for the children in our care who are eagerly awaiting a place to call home.
In the words of a foster family: “We have been Foster Carers for Parkerville CYC for 9 years. Our hearts are firmly invested in changing the narrative for the children placed in our care. Through love, consistency, and maintaining family and cultural connections, we believe these children can grow into empowered young adults. Parkerville provides us with the support, resources, and tools to help us and our children achieve this.”
At Parkerville Children and Youth Care, we’ve been delivering radically personalised care for 120 years and although widely known for our Out of Home Care and Foster Support, we also specialise in supporting children and young people facing sexual assault, abuse, homelessness, and other adverse childhood experiences. Our trauma-informed care, delivered through essential services and programs, aims to reduce long-term impacts, offering each child an opportunity to feel safe to dream, thrive, and reach their fullest potential.
Why become a Foster Carer with Parkerville?
Joining Parkerville as a foster carer means becoming part of a team dedicated to providing personalised support tailored to the unique needs of each child in your care. Unlike larger agencies, we maintain a smaller caseload, allowing us to offer in-depth ongoing support that is attentive and responsive to both your needs and those of the young person you’re fostering.
Upon joining Parkerville, you’ll be assigned a dedicated team leader who will serve as your main point of contact. They’ll be there to guide you through every step of the fostering journey, ensuring you stay updated on compliances, checks, and any support you may require. Our team leaders prioritise regular one-on-one contact with the young person in your care, typically every 4-6 weeks. This not only ensures that their voice is heard but also provides a safe space for them to express concerns or suggestions.
Behind the scenes, our team works tirelessly to advocate for the young people in our care. We collaborate closely with the Department of Child Protection, advocating for the needs and rights of the children, so you can focus on providing care without unnecessary burdens. At Parkerville, you’ll find a supportive environment where your efforts are valued, and where we all work together to create positive outcomes for the children and young people in our care.
How we support Foster Carers at Parkerville
At Parkerville, we understand that fostering can come with its challenges, which is why we prioritise providing comprehensive support to our foster carers. Your well-being matters, which is why our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential support, counselling, and resources to help you navigate any difficulties that may arise in your caregiving journey.
Our team leaders provide regular ongoing supervision, offering support through face-to-face meetings, virtual sessions, or phone calls, ensuring your preferences and needs are met.
Additionally, our commitment to support doesn’t end with office hours; we provide an after-hours on-call system managed by our Out of Home Care team, ensuring we’re here for you, whenever you need it, even on weekends. Safety and care plans are centrally accessible, ensuring a seamless support process.
Furthermore, as a foster care worker with Parkerville, you’ll have access to extensive training programs covering trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, and various aspects of child development, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to provide the best care possible. Your support and well-being are our top priorities, ensuring that you feel empowered and equipped to make a positive impact in the lives of children in Western Australia who have experienced trauma.
Next steps to get started on your fostering journey:
Becoming a foster carer is a life-changing decision, and Parkerville Children and Youth Care makes the process as seamless as possible. Prospective carers undergo thorough screening, training, and support to ensure they are prepared for the challenges and rewards of fostering.
If you’re interested in making a difference in a child’s life, consider reaching out to Parkerville Children and Youth Care to learn more about the fostering process via email at foster.care@parkerville.org.au and one of our lovely Out of Home Care team will be in touch! Whether you’re an individual, a couple, or a family, there is a place for you in the fostering community and we’d love to have you join our team.