Life Without Barriers Regional Director Simone Mather said the program draws on the experience, skills and knowledge of existing carers to help people thinking about becoming a carer to understand what it involves and ultimately to seek out people who have the qualities that we know are good for children.

“We need foster carers who are focussed on what’s best for children and who can work closely with us to support the individual needs of each child. We need carers who are willing to provide support and care to children, share their time with them and include them in their families."

“Carer Ambassadors are really fantastic at seeking out and engaging with people who have the qualities we are seeking in foster carers. We understand that people want to hear from someone with first hand experience about what it is like to provide safe and nurturing homes to children everyday."

“Research and experience also indicate that potential carers consistently express a desire to talk to existing carers for an honest and real picture about foster care."

Each Carer Ambassador works closely with their local care team to develop work plans that set out activities within the local community that will contribute to recruiting new foster carers. This can include:

• identifying ways to build foster care awareness, such as engaging with local schools and community groups
• representing Life Without Barriers at community events and information sessions, particularly during key recruitment times (ie Foster and Kinship Carer Week)
• talking to the media about foster caring
• answering questions from prospective carers.

“Ambassadors need to have an exceptional fostering reputation, strong community connections and excellent communication skills,” Simone said.

“They also need to have a minimum of 2 years fostering experience, a friendly and approachable manner and time to commit to this important role.”

Carers who are interested in becoming an ambassador attend an initial information session, which provides an overview of the role and detailed information on how to apply for the position. Carers who submit an application are screened, interviewed and reference checked as per normal recruitment procedures, with successful applicants being made an offer of employment.

The Department for Child Protection recently featured Life Without Barriers Carer Ambassador Glen Davie in the #FosterCareSA recruitment campaign. Read Glen’s fostering story.