THE struggling foster care system in Queensland has gained a strong backer with the launch of Parliamentary Friends of Foster Carers and Children in Foster Care in Canberra last week.
The number of children in care in Queensland increased to 11,626 in 2023 according to the latest child safety data from the department.
Centre CEO Deb Tsorbaris said the economic value of foster care was growing and the need to sustain and retain existing carers and attract new carers was vital.
“Nationally we see a steep decline in the number of people going through the accreditation process to become foster carers, yet the demand for homes remains constant,” she said.
“Improving access to healthcare, providing therapeutic supports to children and young people, reducing the financial pressure on foster carers, and creating equitable workplace entitlements, will encourage more Australian to become foster carers and sustain the carers who are already doing an incredible job.”
Alongside the National Foster Care Sustainability Group, the centre is advocating for three critical reforms highlighted by the prioritised access to medical and therapeutic support, through the introduction of a card system that ensures all children in care have better access and financial supports to essential medical, therapeutic, and developmental services.
The other key reforms include reducing financial pressure on foster carers, by raising the ATO tax-free threshold for foster carers, easing financial pressures and enabling higher carer allowances without tax burdens and more equitable leave for foster carers.
An independent report from Deloitte Access Economics found that extending foster care government support from 19 years to 21 years would significantly improve the lives of vulnerable young Queensland care-leavers and save the economy a staggering $407.8 million.
Six out of eight Australian state and territory governments are now supporting young people in foster care with the choice of extended care to 21 years.
