Media Release
10 December 2015
Welcome Support for Victoria’s Carers
The Foster Care Association of Victoria and the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare welcome today’s announcement from the Andrews Labor Government to increase the financial support provided to Victoria’s foster, kinship and permanent carers.
“The additional $1,000 per year for the general carer allowance will provide much needed financial support to carers,” said Ms Katie Hooper, CEO, Foster Care Association of Victoria.
“Victoria’s carers receive the lowest level of reimbursement compared to other States and Territories, so it is wonderful to see a strong commitment from the Government in supporting the vital role of carers in our community,” said Ms Katie Hooper, CEO, Foster Care Association of Victoria.
Carers ensure that Victoria’s vulnerable children are provided with a supportive home when they are not able to live with their own family. For any family, raising a child requires resources. Carers provide financial support for the needs of children in their care, including for education and extra-curricular activities, as well as clothing and other general needs.
Victoria is currently the only state to experience more carers leaving the system than those joining to become a carer. Receiving an adequate reimbursement allowance provides carers with the financial support they need to continue providing care for children in need.
The Government has also announced that the education and medical allowance will now be paid on a fortnightly basis.
“Including the education and medical allowance in the fortnightly payment, rather than on a quarterly basis, gives carers the flexibility they need to manage these expenses as they arise. This is an improvement that will help carers,” said Ms Deb Tsorbaris, CEO, Centre for Excellence.
“Today’s announcements are a great first step in beginning to address the low level of financial support provided to carers. We look forward to working closely with the Government on continuing to improve financial and practical support for Victoria’s carers, and on the roll out of a new client support funding framework,” said Ms Deb Tsorbaris, CEO, Centre for Excellence.
Media Enquiries
Katie Hooper, CEO, Foster Care Association of Victoria: 0437 899 022
Deb Tsorbaris, CEO, Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare: 0417 599 869
