While the impacts of the coronavirus meant we weren’t able to celebrate carers as we usually do during Foster and Kinship Carer Week (13 to 17 September 2020), we still pulled together a range of activities and media opportunities to our amazing carers throughout the week.

The week also allowed us to shine a spotlight on the need for more people to put up their hand up and become a carer, to help our most vulnerable children and young people.

Thank you to everyone who helped us coordinate these activities – these celebrations would not have been possible without your help.

Sunday mail campaign

A big thank you to all of the agencies who participated in the Sunday Mail’s special 24-page Foster and Kinship Care liftout on 13 September 2020, helping to bring greater community awareness to the need to recruit more carers.

The magazine included inspiring stories from carers from all walks of life – and across all care types – as well a first person piece from a young person with experience of the care system, information on the steps to become a carer and supports available once approved.

Olympic cyclist Anna Meares also kindly shared her experience of becoming an emergency foster care with Anglicare SA.

You can read the digital edition here (you’ll need a subscription). Most agencies would have received some copies of the magazine by now, if you would like more or have not received any, please email DCPCommunications@sa.gov.au and we’ll post some out to you.

Thank you cards

Thank you cards were sent to our 2,400+ carer households to show our appreciation. The card, which was jointly signed by the Minister for Child Protection Hon Rachel Sanderson MP and DCP Chief Executive Cathy Taylor, acknowledged the efforts of carers during these challenging times of the coronavirus and recognised them for their ongoing commitment to children and young people in care.

Thank you video

The department worked closely with foster care agencies, kinship care workers and the Minister for Child Protection to create this short video. Our thank you message so far has been viewed more than 300 times.

Show your support and watch and share the video

Photovoice Exhibition

A Centacare exhibition, featuring photographs from eight foster and kinship carers, was on display at the downstairs gallery at 31 Flinders Street. The exhibition visually expressed the journey of the eight carers, showcasing what it means to them to be a carer. The exhibition was open to the public during the week.

5AA interview: All things foster and kinship care

DCP Executive Director of Out of Home Care Sue Barr and Centacare short-term foster carer Elisa Carey chatted to Tony Pilkington on FiveAA about all things foster and kinship care.

The 30-minute interview covered a range of topics including recognising the efforts of existing carers but also providing information on who can become a carer, the rewards and challenges of becoming a carer and where to find out more.

Listen to the interview

Our Foster and Kinship stories on Facebook reach over 24,000 people

Our inspiring foster and kinship stories on Facebook have reached more than 24,000 people since they were posted as part of Foster and Kinship Carer Week. More than 500 people have given Jeannie, Jodie, Jess, Samantha, Tricia, Nick and Sylvia, Jade and Ben, Grace, Julie and Trevor and Vicki and Wayne the ‘thumbs’ up on Facebook. Are you one of them?

Head over to the DCP Facebook page and ‘like us’ to show your support.

Foster care agencies connect online during special week

Although, our foster care agencies were unable to run their usual events to connect during this special week, they were still able to celebrate together online, allowing us to connect, celebrate, hear stories and share experiences. Here are just a few of these celebrations:

• Lutheran Community Care sent their carers an appreciation note and gave a shout-out on Facebook with this Sending hug’s video.
• New Chief Executive Officer of Key Assets, Dr Dianne Jackson showed her support for carers and agents of change with this 30 second thank you video message.
• Centacare Catholic Family Services highlighted what qualities make a good foster carer and said thank you to their carers in this special video.
• Aboriginal Family Support Services Board Chairperson Donna Henry, CEO Sharon Williams and family based care staff thanked carers with a special ‘love and care’ thank you message.
• Anglicare hosted three online events - a raffle, artwork session and Dreamtime story. CEO Peter Sandeman also shared words of gratitude in this short video.
• Staff from Uniting Country SA shared hand written thank you notes in this 90 second video.
• Carers from the Limestone Coast, Riverland, Murraylands, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula were recognised in this ac.care thank you video.
• Junction Australia shared an inspiring story on what led foster carer Loan to foster a 5-year old boy. Read the story here.
• Life Without Barriers acknowledged the extraordinary way carers have risen to the challenges of keeping children and young people safe through the COVID19 pandemic. Watch the thank you video.
• Connecting Foster and Kinship Carers SA Chief Executive Officer Fiona Endacott and staff members thanked carers in this short video.
• Uniting Communities held a COVID-safe lunch at Luigi’s for their 13 carers.
• Centacare Catholic Country SA carers received a voucher to spend at their local café and chocolates and home-made cookies