"Your commitment, compassion, and dedication provides children and young people with the stability, love, and care they need to navigate the world around them."
From 8 - 14 September* 2024, communities across Australia will come together to celebrate Foster Care Week. Foster Care Week is an annual event, dedicated to recognising the invaluable contributions of foster and kinship carers.
These selfless individuals and families open their hearts and homes to children and young people, offering them a safe and supportive environment in which to thrive. With a growing need for foster carers, this year’s Foster Care Week carries even more significance, with a theme that looks ahead with hope: 'Today’s carers, tomorrow’s future.'
Image: Life Without Barriers staff and carers march together in Brisbane, holding a sign with the Pride flag and text 'We love our Foster Carers!' on it.
Foster Care Week is not only a time to celebrate carers, but also to raise awareness about the importance of providing out-of-home care and the life-changing role that carers play in shaping the futures of children and young people.
Carly Jacobitz, Deputy Chief Executive, Child Youth and Family, at Life Without Barriers said that carers are the heart of our community.
"As we celebrate Foster Care Week, I want to take a moment to recognise and honour the incredible contributions you make every day to the lives of children and young people." Carly said.
"Your commitment, compassion, and dedication provides children and young people with the stability, love, and care they need to navigate the world around them."
Image: Photo of staff and carers from the Queensland Foster and Kinship Care Week conference. Six people stand together with a black curtain behind them.
This year's theme 'Today’s carers, tomorrow’s future', perfectly encapsulates the vital role carers play in shaping the future of children and young people who have experienced trauma, loss, or instability.
"Being a foster or kinship carer is about creating a safe and nurturing environment where young people can grow, heal, and thrive. It’s about being a source of strength during times of uncertainty and a beacon of hope," Carly said.
Foster carers and kinship carers don’t just provide a roof over a child’s head; they offer love, support, and a sense of belonging. The relationships formed within foster and kinship care can be life-changing, giving children the chance to develop confidence.
Life Without Barriers understands the extra need for community when providing care. Programs like MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ and Care 2 Thrive provide wrap-around supports to foster and kinship carers to create caring homes with family, culture and community.
Image: Foster cares Fiona and Micahel are holding five years of service certificates and standing with two Life Without Barriers staff.
With their guidance, carers lay the foundations for brighter futures—whether by helping a child succeed in school, building positive self-esteem, or simply offering a stable home environment in which a young person can feel safe.
"We know that foster care comes with its challenges, but your resilience and unwavering support make a world of difference in the lives of children. You are their advocates, guides, and often, their greatest champions. Your impact goes far beyond the immediate—it is felt for a lifetime." Carly shared.
For those involved in care—whether as carers, support workers, or advocates—Foster Care Week provides an opportunity to share their stories and experiences with the wider community.
You can read stories from Life Without Barriers carers here.
Image: Foster carers and Life Without Barriers staff posing as a group before joining a fun run.
It also invites others to consider becoming foster carers themselves, opening their homes to children in need and making a profound impact on their lives.
"During this Foster Care Week, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. You are the heart of our community. We also want to encourage others who are considering becoming foster carers to take that step," Carly said.
"The need is great, and your kindness, determination and voice can alter the course of a young person's life for the better."
Although the week is called 'Foster Care Week', we also acknowledge and celebrate all of our kinship carers and the unique and vital role kinship carers play in the care system. Kinship carers are family members or community who step in to care for children when needed. Their contribution is essential in maintaining cultural, familial, and emotional continuity for children, helping them stay connected to their roots while providing a stable and loving home.
Foster and kinship carers are the unsung heroes in our communities—individuals who go above and beyond to support children and young people during some of the most difficult times of their lives. Their work is not just about meeting physical needs, but about offering emotional stability, understanding, and unconditional love.
To all the foster and kinship carers out there: we see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you.
We thank you for opening your hearts and homes. Thank you for choosing Life Without Barriers to walk this journey alongside you.
For anyone interested in becoming a foster carer, now is the perfect time to reach out! Becoming a foster carer is a rewarding and transformative experience. You can call our friendly team on 1300 592 227 or email carers@lwb.org.au.
Image: Two people dressed as unicorns, standing in front of Story Bridge, holding up 'Become a foster carer' posters.
If you are considering becoming a carer with Life Without Barriers, please find more information for your state below:
Become a foster carer in New South Wales
Become a foster carer in South Australia
Become a foster carer in Tasmania
Become a foster carer in Victoria
Become a foster carer in Western Australia
Image: Foster care ambassador Katie standing outside. She is facing away from the camera and 'Be a Foster Carer ask me how' is printed on her shirt.
*Foster Care Week is celebrated in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania during September.
Western Australia Celebrated Foster and Kinship Carer Week in July-August
