MacKillop Family Services is calling on Illawarra residents to consider becoming foster carers, as the region faces a critical shortage of safe homes for vulnerable children and young people. The local foster care agency is highlighting the urgent need for carers who can provide stability and security for children unable to live safely with their own families.
Foster Care Crisis in NSW
Across New South Wales, nearly 14,000 children and young people are living in out-of-home care, yet fewer than 10,000 foster carer households are available to support them. In the Illawarra Shoalhaven region alone, almost 900 children were in out-of-home care as of June 30, 2025. The long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, have led to a decline in the number of available foster carers across the state.
Local Need Often Overlooked
Patricia Maher, NSW carer recruitment and development manager at MacKillop Family Services, says many people are surprised to learn about the immediate shortage of foster carers in regions like the Illawarra. “People think foster care is something that is needed in other communities or only in larger cities. But right across Australia, in every local town and community, for a wide variety of reasons, there are kids who need safe homes where they are nurtured and secure,” Ms Maher said.
She emphasised the importance of stability for young people’s wellbeing and keeping them within their local community. “We know that stability is key to a young person’s wellbeing, as is keeping them within their local community where they can maintain connections and thrive in a familiar environment. We are putting the call out for people to think about how they can support local children by opening their home and making that difference to a child’s life.”
Who Can Become a Foster Carer?
Foster carers come from diverse backgrounds. You could be married, single, in a same-sex relationship, working or retired, and you may own or rent your home. The most essential criterion is having the capacity to create a safe and nurturing home to support vulnerable children.
Before welcoming a child, carers participate in comprehensive training that prepares them for the realities of foster care. Ongoing learning opportunities are also available to help carers build skills, confidence, and understanding as their caring experience grows.
Financial and Emotional Support
Foster carers receive tax-free government care allowances to help cover everyday costs of caring for a child. Support does not end after business hours; MacKillop offers after-hours assistance, providing reassurance and guidance whenever unexpected situations arise. Foster carers are part of a larger support network, working with health professionals, case managers, and therapeutic practitioners who support both the child and the carer.
A Rewarding Role
Becoming a foster carer is one of the most important and rewarding roles you can play in your community, and MacKillop will support you every step of the journey. The organisation believes the best place for children is in a safe and supportive family, where they are nurtured to develop to their full potential. If you have considered making a difference in your community, learn more about foster care at mackillop.org.au or by calling 1300 791 677.
