The article talks about Craig and his wife Caroline who fostered Jessica from the day she was born, then her brother Matthew, sister Sarah and brother Cruz.
Craig is quoted as saying that you can be part of the problem or you can be part of the solution.
Gary Christensen, Director of CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning, explained the problem as follows in a recent Newcastle Herald editorial:
“CatholicCare is supporting the NSW Government’s plans to make it easier for foster families to adopt or become guardians of children in their care.
“This type of security is exactly what children and young people need to thrive now and in the future.
“Open adoption and guardianship can deliver to children, young people and their foster families a sense of openness and a better chance of maintaining good relationships with birth parents when restoration is no longer possible. Open adoption and guardianship creates new families.
“To develop a child’s sense of identity and belonging it is essential for foster carers, in becoming the adoptive parents or guardians, to understand the unique dynamics of the birth family and to build a relationship with them.
“CatholicCare partners with our carers, providing them with support and development opportunities on their path to becoming adoptive parents or guardians.
“Our plans are always developed with the child in mind. We have highly qualified and experienced clinical psychologists and caseworkers who assess children and provide support.”
There is an urgent need for emergency, restoration, respite and permanent carers for children of all ages.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a foster carer or an adoptive parent or guardian, contact CatholicCare 1300 590 898 or visit or visit catholiccare.org.au.
Note: The names used in the Newcastle Weekly article are pseudonyms. This is to protect the identities of the children.
The above image was supplied by CatholicCare for promotional purposes and is not the people featured in the Newcastle Weekly story.
