MacKillop Family Services call out for foster carers in the Pilbara as shortage continues

A foster care agency manager has voiced her concern about the displacement of children and separation of siblings due to the critical shortage of foster carers in the Pilbara. MacKillop Family Services Pilbara manager Natasha Bargeus called on people from Port Hedland, Karratha and Roebourne to consider fostering. “Some of the knock-on effects of the shortages are sibling groups might be separated so they might go into different placements or there could be a rare time they need to be placed somewhere else,’ she said. “We are also really keen to hear from any Aboriginal people that would like to be carers as well because there is an over-representation of Aboriginal children in the care system and what we know is that Aboriginal children are best cared for by Aboriginal people and on their country.” Ms Bargeus said respite carers were also needed. “Anyone who has time, who can even just do respite with a weekend a month or a weekend a fortnight would be really helpful too,” she said. “That helps to give the regular carers a break as well and perhaps it could be somebody’s way of being able to contribute, even if they can’t contribute more of a full time capacity.” MacKillop State director Kelly Goes said people did not realise the positive difference they could make to a child’s life. “We have a critical need here in WA for foster carers who provide nurture, stability and positive role modelling to children in care,” she said. “Kids in care need our support to achieve their potential and there are many ways people in the community can provide that help. “As a community, we can do better.” Ms Goes said people from all walks of life could become a carer.