Another Foster Care Week under our belt, and not in a way we anticipated! We had an amazing week celebrating and recognising the incredible resilience of carers who continue to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people, which is more important than ever before.

We have all been challenged this year in complex ways, but in the words of our CEO Samantha Hauge "In every crisis there are opportunities. The disruption that COVID-19 has caused may also be an opportunity to enact systemic changes and improved funding to support carers and put people first. The best way to promote carer resilience is to invest in carers by providing a range of emotional and financial supports. And the good news is that carers who feel valued and supported are not only more likely to be resilient but will also be better placed to provide the best possible care."

We thank carers, children and young people, sector organisations and agencies for recognising the Value of Carers during Foster Care Week. Let's work together to ensure their dedication to the children and young people in their care is better supported, especially while caring through COVID-19. 

Highlights of Foster Care Week 2020:

• Agencies supporting and celebrating carers with events and gifts across the state - see full calendar here

• Official Launch of our new Carer Assistance Program - click here to read more 

• A wonderful carer Belinda speaking on ABC News Breakfast

• Another of our fantastic foster carers Elicia who chatted to Dee Dee Dunleavy on 3AW - hear the clip here

• Active engagement on social media - see Facebook #FosterCareWeek2020

• Our successful first online annual Carer Celebration and Annual General Meeting was held with 266 registrations including carers, colleagues and supporters for our Zoom webinar. We were so blessed to have a Welcome to Country by Sue-Anne Hunter, and hear from Minister Luke Donnellan, Principal Commissioner Liana Buchanan, interview between our Board President Toni Hetherington and carer Justine and speech from our Board Treasurer Luke Sapwell about his care experience. 

Feedback:

"I would like to thank you for the FCAV celebration this year! In the face of challenges of having it remotely, it was a huge success. I was very touched by all the speakers, including Samantha’s very articulate, professional and very accurate reflection of the challenges of the system and her strong advocacy of carers in Victoria!  I was very touched by the carer’s story and also Luke’s story. Very inspirational.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart. What an amazing organisation you are! Thank you also for the surprise Sukin gift, I will really enjoy it, really beautiful! "

Watch our Carer Celebration and AGM if you missed it, or you'd like to see it again. Be warned you might need a cup of tea and some tissues!