Our Mission
Read more about Our Mission
The Foster Care Association (NSW) Inc. exists to support and strengthen foster carers in New South Wales and to promote the value of foster caring in New South Wales through:
- Information and support to foster carers
- Networking and representation
- Advocacy on behalf of the organisation and foster carers
We value respect for the individual, participation, diversity, accountability and education and development of carers.
Universal Service Philosophy
While the Association has members, it has a universal service philosophy. That is, it aims to provide support to all foster and kinship carers whether or not these carers are members of the Association.
CENTRELINK
A range of Budget measures for families will modify existing participation requirements for parents to make them more responsive to individual family circumstances. The following measures have been announced in the 2009-10 Budget and are subject to the passage of legislation.
Respite and emergency foster carers will receive extended exemptions between foster care placements.
Grandparents or guardians (or relatives) who care for children. If you are a grandparent or relative caring for children, and are unsure of what you may be entitled to, go to the grandparents and relatives caring for children page on our website.
Foster and Kinship carers are exempt from Job Seeking provided they have a Certificate of Eligibility for Exemption from Commonwealth Welfare to Work Reforms from the NSW Department of Community Services stating: "The above named persons(s) is currently a recognised foster or relative/kinship carer with the NSW Department of Community Services and meets the criteria of a registered and active foster carer as per the Guide to Social Security Law made pursuant to section 5B(2) of the Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Amendment (Welfare to Work and Other Measures) Act 2005.
This takes into account their recent caring activities in NSW, and/or their availability to continue to provide care to one or more children during the period of this certificate.
This certificate is valid from: _________ to:_______ ". NSW Department of Community Services will provide the name/s of carers and insert the dates. This certificate is signed by the Director-General.
If you are a Non-Government agency carer your agency should provide you with a certificate.
If you do not have a current certificate contact your case worker and request the same. Produce this certificate if required by Centrelink.
For further information go to: http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/individuals/budget_job_seekers.htm
Victims Compensation
Children who are in foster care/kinship care may be entitled to Victims Compensation.
The majority of children in foster care/kinship care are victims of some form of child abuse.
A child or children in foster care/kinship may be entitled to statutory compensation for psychological or psychiatric disorder.
As per the Victims Support and Rehabilitation Act 1996 – Sect. 25, 1(b) an application for statutory compensation may be made by the child/children’s carer/s.
Normally an application for statutory compensation must be duly lodged within two years, after the act of violence. However, leave should be, and is usually, given in cases of sexual assault, domestic violence or child abuse.
The Foster Care Association (NSW) Inc. will assist carers who wish to make application on behalf of a child or children in their care.
If you require further information or want to make an application for statutory compensation for a child/children in your care, email VCTEaAPPS@aol.com or telephone 0414 821 268.
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Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services in NSW
The Foster Care Association (NSW) Inc. is a voluntary organisation which is no longer funded by the NSW Department of Community Services. Donations are welcome. To enquire about making a donation please send an Email with the Subject: Donation to DBCFCAEMS@aol.com
A Child at Heart
Author: Chris Baxter
The story of a foster-child by Chris Baxter. Available now, this is a powerful human-interest story of the sudden arrival of Marie, a highly spirited five-year-old for 'just a few weeks' in the midst of the well-ordered life of the author and his wife. The 'few weeks' stretched into months, then years. Meanwhile, almost imperceptibly, things were changing. Then, suddenly, after three years, Marie was adopted in another part of the State and it was time to start picking up the pieces. The book includes an extensive directory of foster-care contacts and resources. Go to: www.broadcontinent.com.au for further information and the opportunity to order it.