CRISIS CARERS
Crisis Carers' is a three part series, meeting foster carers from around the Hunter and Central Coast region. Carers who are single parents, retired couples or are in same sex relationships. They may have become foster carers for personal reasons, but have stepped up at a time when they are desperately needed.
The series aired on ABC Newcastle Afternoons, Mornings & Saturday Breakfast. It also inspired a new national campaign to recruit new foster carers.
Listen to the full series below. For more information on becoming a foster carer, go to the Barnardos website, or call them on 1800 663 441
In part one of 'Crisis Carers', you meet single carer Kim from the Central Coast. She has taken care of over 40 children in the last 5 years, while running her own business.
You'll also meet Margaret, a retired grandmother from Tenambit, who ended up taking care of a 6 day old baby boy after she considered becoming a foster carer for several years.
In part two of 'Crisis Carers', you meet Gale from the Central Coast. Gale and her partner were brought together through a love of children and wanted to do their part of Australian children when they settled down. After being knocked back from other organisations due to their same sex relationship, they both ended up at Barnardos when they have been taking care of kids for over 10 years.
You also meet local couple Naomi and Vicki from Taro, who have recently finished caring for baby who was just days old when they received her. Both cherished the experience and are anxiously waiting for the next child to take care of.
In part three of 'Crisis Carers', you'll hear how carers feel about meeting the birth parents of children they're caring for. You'll also hear how they say goodbye to the children and why people should become foster carers.
