MEDIA RELEASE
NOVEMBER 11, 2008
Media reports paint false picture of foster carers
The Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) says it is dismayed with media
reports suggesting the New South Wales’ foster carers are negligent, self-seeking individuals
who are only in it for the money.
CEO Andrew McCallum believes the recent publicity paints a false picture of the foster care
industry and overshadows the tremendous work being carried out in the homes of carers
across the State.
“It is extremely distressing to hear accounts of some foster carers taking advantage of the
system and doing the wrong thing by the children who come into their care,” Mr McCallum
said.
“However, it must be pointed out that these individuals represent a very small minority of an
otherwise committed and selfless group of people who open their homes and their hearts to
emotionally vulnerable children, bringing them warmth and stability during periods of
upheaval.
“I regard foster carers as the unsung heroes of our sector, who do a wonderful job under often
very tough circumstances.”
Mr McCallum said there is an ongoing need in NSW to recruit more foster carers to provide
quality short, medium and long-term care to children and young people.
“The onus for filtering out those few who are failing to do the right thing lies within a carefully
scrutinised recruitment and assessment process,” he said
“The industry needs to ensure the integrity of this process is protected at all costs in order to
avoid any repeat of the instances reported in the media. To further compound the already
difficult situation these children find themselves in is inexcusable.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer to contact the Foster
Care Recruitment Line on 1800 011 110.
The Association of Children's Welfare Agencies is the New South Wales peak
body representing non-government organisations providing services to
vulnerable children, young people and their families. The organisation has been
operating for 50 years and has more than 100 members.
MEDIA CONTACTS
For interviews please contact:
Andrew McCallum, CEO
Mob: 0409 221 414 E: andrew@acwa.asn.au
For all other media enquiries please contact:
Libby McCalman, Communications Officer
Mob: 0418 659 525 E: libby@acwa.asn.au
NEWS 
