A foster care program needs people in Wyndham and Hobsons Bay to open their homes to host children and teenagers.
The program, which runs out of UnitingCare’s Werribee Support and Housing, faces funding cuts if the organisation can’t reach its target of finding homes for 19 children each year.
“If we have cuts in funding, it will really have an impact on the kids who need new homes,” program co-ordinator Tania Napoli said.
Ms Napoli and her team are calling for potential carers to help change lives.
“Carers can be from all walks of life,” she said. “Single, married, people with a family of their own, same-sex couples, full-time workers, part-time workers, or even those retired. A lot of carers often say that knowing they can provide a safe place to live for somebody in need is really rewarding.”
Ms Napoli said there were many ways of fostering young people, short or long-term.
“Becoming a foster carer provides children with an opportunity to have some stability to be cared for, or to have a safe haven. It gives them an opportunity to be removed from hostile situations of abuse or neglect, and gives them a second chance,” she said.
An information session will be held for people interested in becoming carers on February 3 at the church hall next door to Werribee Support and Housing. Details: 9742 6452
