The State Government has launched an awareness campaign to urgently recruit up to 250 foster carers across Western Australia as the number of children in care continues to rise by approximately 12 per cent a year.

Child Protection Minister Robyn McSweeney said there were already more than 3,000 children in the care of the State and the number was expected to increase to approximately 4,000 by 2011.

The three-month electronic and press advertising campaign would be launched today at the Australian Foster Care Conference in Fremantle. It aimed to attract new foster carers for WA’s most at-risk children.

“We urgently need more foster carers to provide safe and loving homes for the growing number of children and young people who are unable to live with their own families,” Mrs McSweeney said.

“The number of children coming into our care has doubled in the past 10 years and, on average, two to three neglected or abused children are removed from their homes every day.

“These are disturbing figures and while the Government is committed to tackling the reasons behind this, which includes rising mental health and drug and alcohol problems in the community, we need the help of everyday suitable people to care for these children.

“There are now 905 general foster carers (non-relative carers) registered with the Department for Child Protection who do an outstanding job.

“We need full time carers, as well as people who can provide occasional and specialised care for children with complex needs.”

The Minister said anyone who could provide a stable and supportive home environment for a child could become a foster carer.

“There is a critical shortage of foster carers because many people are not sure of what is involved, or do not understand how rewarding the experience can be,” she said.

“Foster carers can be male or female, single or couples, have children of their own or not, working full-time or part-time, or be retired. What is important is that they can offer a caring home for a child who has been neglected or hurt by a parent and who is in desperate need of love and protection.”

Mrs McSweeney said a telephone hotline had been set up by the Department for Child Protection for interested people and the department’s website contained a downloadable information pack about fostering.

“Whether you can spare just a few hours or a lifetime, we want to hear from you,” the Minister said.

For more information ring the foster care hotline on 1800 024 453 or visit the department’s website at http://www.childprotection.wa.gov.au