CAFS Ballarat have been supporting the region since the 1860’s, starting out as an Asylum, they now operate 4 main offices across Central Highlands and Western Victoria with the head office in Ballarat and other offices in Bacchus Marsh, Ararat and Daylesford. CAFS have 280 staff who cover over 40 programs including;
- Early Help and parenting support
- Your Support and Leaving Care
- Residential Care – 3 residences in B’rat (8 to 17 yrs old)
- Family Violence and Relationship Services – Orange Door / Men’s Behaviour Change (Quite Successful)
- Gambling Help Awareness
Over 9,000 children are in Foster Care in Vic. (over 44,000 is Aus). Approx. 8 in 1000 children need care. Increased Demand – Family Violence, Housing Instability, Cost of Living pressures.
If not enough carers, then children suffer increased trauma and instability. Nationally 59,000 children on care and protection orders.
Locally they support 176 children in Care Programs and 6051 Families annually under TBRI – Trust Base Relationship Intervention. Supporting Long Term Change – Thousands of children & families are supported each year to help families stay together. They know that Local Solutions create Better long-term outcomes / Stronger communities / Children stay connected to community and culture. Always trying to keep family together.
Lise commented on Foster Caring being a long-term commitment, taking 9 months to be approved. CAFS offers Foster Carers;
- 24/7 Support
- Training and Preparation underpinned by TBRI
- Limited Financial assistance
- Professional Caseworkers
- Peer Support and respite – weekends, school holidays
How Can Rotary Help ...
- Become a Foster Carer
- Share Information with our Network
- Advocate for Foster Care
- Support Careers through community initiatives
- Invite CAFS to speak to other groups
