Foster carers in Western Australia are to receive a $1.25 million boost from the State Government.
Community Services Minister said today State foster care subsidies would be progressively increased from later this year.
The Minister said the first subsidy rise would take effect from December 1 for people caring for teenagers, and would bring that rate to about $90 per week - an increase of some $20 (about 29 per cent). Teenagers represented about half the 800 Western Australian children in foster care at any one time.
Mr Ripper today opened the statewide Foster Carers' Workshop in Bicton, organised by the Foster Care Association.
The Minister said the subsidies would rise in stages over the next three years, to match the recommended rates set by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) which was the national benchmark.
The initial rise would bring the teenagers' subsidy to 90 per cent of the recommended AIFS rate - a proportion already reached by the subsidy for primary school children. Further increases would be introduced for all foster carers over the next two years to meet the total AIFS level.
"Foster carers work selflessly, generally without broad community recognition, to provide caring homes for children until they can be returned to their natural parents," Mr Ripper said.
"Foster families provide stability and security for children, while also helping their natural families overcome crises such as health problems, poverty or conflict.
"They give love and care to children they know may only be with them for a short time."
Each year the Department for Community Services places about 2,000 children in State care. About two thirds of these are placed in foster care and the rest in group homes or hostels.
"Providing practical help for families and quality services for children are key Government philosophies which will form the foundation of the new Community, Family and Children's Services Department," Mr Ripper said.
The subsidies are paid to approved foster carers to cover basic living costs. In addition, the Department paid clothing and pocket money.
Mr Ripper said increasing foster care subsidies was one of the key recommendations of the 1990 Substitute Care Review, which was reinforced by the Harries Report into the death of a child in foster care.
