WA Families Urged to Consider Foster Care as Demand for Safe Homes Grows
Parkerville Children and Youth Care is calling on Western Australians to consider becoming foster carers as demand for safe and supportive homes for vulnerable children continues to grow.
Parkerville CEO Kim Brooklyn said there are currently more than 5,000 children and young people in the out-of-home care system in WA.
“These children come into care for a range of reasons including family crisis, abuse, neglect, substance addiction, and parental mental health issues impacting on their capacity to care for their children. It is never the fault of the children and rarely a choice parents make themselves.
“It is no secret we don’t have enough foster carers in the system across WA, and as a result these children are not being placed in stable homes quickly, and this makes it impossible to establish routine and consistency which all children need to feel safe. A foster carer can’t undo what’s already happened to a child, but they can absolutely change what happens next, and all it really takes is someone who’s consistently there for the children and who thinks highly of them.”
Parkerville’s therapeutic out-of-home care model, Our Way Home, provides respite and long-term foster care for children and young people who are unable to safely live at home.
Executive Manager Our Way Home, Johnny Rylatt, said many people dismiss the idea of fostering because they believe they do not fit the traditional image of a foster carer.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about foster care is that you need to be a certain type of person,” said Johnny.
“The reality is our carers come from all walks of life. Some provide care for a weekend, some during school holidays, and others offer a child a long-term home and support network.
“Our focus is not on finding perfect people. It’s about finding caring people who can provide stability, encouragement and connection for children who need it most.
“For example, you don’t need to own your own home, be married, or to have raised a child before. You can be single or married, younger or older, working part-time, casual or full-time – and it isn’t about having the perfect house either. It’s about showing up consistently for these kids.”
Parkerville’s Our Way Home model was designed to ensure children experience more than just care. It aims to provide children with connection, belonging and hope while maintaining important relationships with family, culture and community wherever it is safe to do so.
Therapeutic Foster Carers provide long-term support and stability for children and young people, while Respite Carers offer regular weekend or holiday care that helps strengthen the broader care network around a child.
“We know everyone’s not in a position to provide long-term care, but many people could offer occasional respite care that gives children new experiences and provides valuable support to foster families,” said Johnny.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe, valued and connected. Sometimes changing a child’s future starts with a simple conversation.”
To express interest in becoming a Foster Carer or to have any questions answered, please email foster.care@parkerville.org.au.
Excited for the Future
Matt (15) is the youngest of three siblings and was brought into care as an infant due to family domestic violence, substance abuse and neglect in the family home. Matt lived in a family group home with his siblings for many months while reunification with his mum was being explored. Following a failed reunification, Matt and his siblings re-entered care. The group home could not provide a therapeutic placement for all siblings together, so Matt was fostered into a community foster care placement in 2023.
Matt has remained in this placement to this day, and while it has not always been smooth sailing, he has shown incredible resilience and has been a part of many open and honest conversations. Matt is now on track to graduate high school and has ambitions to go on to university.
Matt plays sports and is very engaged in his education. Matt also sees his family regularly on school holidays who are all proud of the incredible effort he has put in to become the person he is today. Matt’s family and carers are in regular contact with each other and have a positive relationship, ensuring the best outcomes for Matt.