Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

Working together for children in foster care

Joint Media Release with:

  • Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers

Today Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers met in Canberra and agreed to develop a National Plan for Foster Carers and Children.

This is the first time Ministers have met specifically to discuss issues around foster care and developing a national approach.

All Ministers are committed to working towards a National Plan that will provide directions for whole of Government approaches to enhance the support and services available for Australia’s 17,000 children in foster care and their foster families.

Ministers discussed the need for stronger collaboration between the Commonwealth, States and Territories with a focus on training, research, uniform data collection and support.

A focus on the identified areas will assist in achieving better outcomes for children in care and their carers.

Ministers acknowledged the critical role played by foster carers and the need to support them to continue to provide quality care for children. Foster care remains an essential response for children unable to live with their families.

All Ministers are committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for children in foster care.