Lighthouse Foster Care, with assistance from The Animals, has launched a new digital presence for what has previously been a lesser-known division of the larger Lighthouse Foundation organisation. The move comes at a time when Lighthouse commences a major drive for more singles, couples and families to embrace the emotional benefits of caring for some of our country’s most vulnerable children.

Over several years, there has been an increasing shortage of available Foster Carers and home placements for young people. This has been compounded by more children needing assistance, as well as recent pandemic events.

Many children across Australia are entering Foster Care due to court-initiated care and protection orders (known as apprehended violence orders in some states). 94% of children nationally are in care due to such interventions. Sadly, the levels of children entering care is increasing, rather than decreasing.

As a result, large numbers of children are in continuous care through no fault of their own, but due to the behaviour of adults, making the situation even more tragic.

Nationally, approximately 46,000 children in out-of-home care at 30 June, 2020 (81%) have been in continuous care for 1 year or more. Of those young people:

• 28% had been in out-of-home care for 2-5 years
• 39% for 5 years or more
• 19% for less than a year

Lighthouse Foster Care do an incredible job at easing vulnerable children into new enviroments, often which can involve changes to home and school-life. Young people are paired with loving families and at each step it’s ensured they are supported and in stable arrangements. Likewise, Foster Carers that are vetted by Lighthouse Foster Care are trained and then provided with 24/7 backup, including the ability to receive trauma-informed support and respite from duties where needed.

The Animals have been proud to step in, assisting in our own very small way to build and develop Lighthouse Foster Care’s new site, as well as providing strategic advice along the way.

The completed site has included:

• A fresh new look, feel and functionality
• Data capture forms for Foster Care and Volunteer enquiry
• Sections that cover eligibilty criteria for foster caring, Foster Care benefits, as well as resources, FAQ, advice on how to volunteer, news and more

We’re thrilled to have become a supporting partner for Lighthouse Foster Care this year with The Animals. If you’d like to become a Foster Carer, assist with some Volunteering, make a donation or just find out more – you can do so by visiting Lighthouse Foster Care on their brand new website at: https://lighthousefostercare.org.au/

Source of figures and data: Child Protection Australia 2019-20