Child and Family Services Ballarat (Cafs) is inviting members of the Central Highlands community to consider becoming foster carers, as the region faces a growing need for safe, stable homes for children and young people.
Laura Humphris, Manager of Home Based Care at Cafs, shared, “Every child deserves to feel safe and supported. Right now, many local children are being placed in temporary care and moved frequently, which can be really tough on their wellbeing. We’re reaching out to our community to help us change that.”
Laura Humphris, Manager of Home Based Care at Cafs, interview with 3BA during National Foster Care Week 2025
The need is especially urgent for younger children, with recent data from the 2024 Foster Carer Census revealing that 67% of children in foster care across Victoria are under the age of 10. Many carers are also supporting children with additional needs - 42% care for children with an intellectual disability or impairment, and 20% support children with a physical disability or impairment.
Despite these challenges, foster care continues to be deeply rewarding. The same census found that 86% of carers identified seeing positive growth in the children they care for as the most fulfilling part of their role.
Nationally, the foster care system is under increasing pressure. Since 2017, the number of children in residential care has risen by 72%, reflecting a growing reliance on non-family-based placements due to a decline in foster carer recruitment. This trend is particularly concerning for First Nations children, who continue to be significantly overrepresented in out-of-home care.
Cafs is proud to be part of a national effort to strengthen the foster care system. Through the Future of Foster Care initiative, led by Families Australia and sectorPartners, advocates are calling for improved support for carers, including better financial assistance, workplace flexibility, and access to healthcare.
“Fostering can be life-changing, not just for the child, but for the carer too,” said Ms Humphris. “At Cafs, we offer comprehensive training and ongoing support, grounded in trauma-informed care models like Step by Step and Trust-Based Relational Intervention®. Our team is here to ensure carers feel confident, prepared, and supported throughout their journey.”
If you’re over 21, have a spare bedroom, and are open to making a meaningful difference in a child’s life, Cafs would love to hear from you. Full training, accreditation, and support are provided.
To learn more or express interest, please visit our Foster Care page or contact the Home Based Care team on 1800 MY CAFS (1800 692 237).
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27 Feb 24
Foster Carer Information Sessions
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MAKE THE CALL: Urgent Need For Foster Carers in Victoria’s Central Highlands
Cafs are asking people from across the Central Highlands to make the call and take the first step during Foster Care Week to learn more about these incredibly rewarding roles.
