Making state care safe: $1.2b to overhaul foster system
After years of being treated like a "dog being moved from cage to cage", some of Australia's most vulnerable children will have an easier path to safe and loving homes with major boosts to foster care.
A landmark $1.2 billion package unveiled in the NSW budget on Tuesday will substantially boost the number of foster carers, and retain those already carrying the heavy load of providing a home for 14,000 children and young people.
For the first time in 20 years, the foster carer allowance will be increased, jumping 20 per cent through a $143.9 million funding injection.
"Those with love to give a child needing foster care, should have the financial means to do so," NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said in his budget speech to parliament on Tuesday.
"Budget 2025 makes that more possible.
"NSW can invest more so kids under state care, get safe care."
The increase in the tax-free allowance will put an additional $176 per fortnight in the pocket of the carer of a typical 14-year-old.
Carers of a five-year-old child will meanwhile see a rise from $656 to $787 per fortnight.
Almost $800 million has been set aside for the out-of-home care system, including investment for reforms to ensure all children and young people can thrive in supportive and stable environments.
Several scathing reports have documented how young people and children were shuffled around motels and hotels, with one child telling the Advocate for Children and Young People the constant transitions made them feel like a "dog being moved from cage to cage."
Some 44 new fit-for-purpose homes will be built, at a cost of $49.2 million, to provide stable accommodation for children with complex needs aged 12 and above.
Mr Mookhey lambasted the previous coalition government for relying on the "failed" Permanency Support Program that had more than 100 children a night in emergency accommodation "without the oversight or accountability needed to keep children safe".
Taxpayer funds will no longer be spent on that outsourced care, with the ad-hoc practice scrapped in April.
With the savings made, a further $191.5 million will be reinvested to get 300 caseworkers in addition to the more than 2000-strong workforce who are also being adequately compensated with higher pay.
The Office of the Children's Guardian will be given $10 million to continue overseeing the safety of children.
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ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
Foster carers don't do it for cash, but NSW budget investment could make real difference
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7NEWS
15 hours ago
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