Tuesday, 14 October 2025

 Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:55): I rise to update the house on the critical supports provided by kinship and foster carers for children in out-of-home care. In Victoria we lead the nation with 94.6 per cent of children who cannot live with their families being cared for in home-based care. Kinship care is the largest and fastest growing option for children who cannot live with their immediate family, and again Victoria leads the nation with just over 80 per cent of all placements with a kinship carer. When a kinship care placement cannot be found, we have a dedicated foster care system with people who are ready to provide a home. Over the last few weeks I have joined in celebrations with both foster and kinship carers to recognise their contributions as part of Foster Care Week and Global Kinship Care Week events.

In meeting with carers, I am always struck by their passionate support and willingness to go the extra mile for the children in their care. They open up their homes and their hearts to our children and young people who are in need of extra support. They are people like Lesley Brechin, who won this year’s Foster Career Award and who has been a foster carer for 21 years and cared for over 40 children and young people. Lesley’s first foster care placement was with a young sibling group. The children reached adulthood in Lesley’s care, and they have remained connected until this day. This connection is a testament to the nurturing family environment and exceptional care that is provided. I take this opportunity to again acknowledge the incredible care and dedication of our kinship, foster and permanent carers for everything they do day in and day out.

The Allan Labor government is proud to support carers, including through the care support help desk and the Carer Kafe. Our investment enables the Carer Kafe to deliver training for carers, including around better understanding and supports for children who have experienced trauma. I invite more Victorians to consider becoming a kinship, foster or permanent carer and to join the wonderful team of carers across our state supporting children and young people to be safe and happy and to thrive.