'They're our kids and a lot of people don't realise just how bad it is', say Hunter-based foster care agencies who have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the critical shortage of carers.
The unbranded campaign, which has the support of mayors and community leaders, is urging people to contact a foster care agency and provide a home for a child in need.
There's a never-ending need, they say, as they join forces to call on the community to "put children first".
"It's about putting children first by asking our region to rise up and open their hearts and homes to children in statutory out-of-home-care," says Lauren Fisher, executive manager of Catholic Care.
"The key takeaway we want to convey is it doesn't matter which agency people call, as long as they call one of us," Ms Fisher said.
Allambi Care Director Partnerships Engagement and Innovation, Steve Graham, said there was a dire need for foster carers.
"The Newcastle and Hunter is at crisis point and I think all agencies would be ecstatic to see an influx of foster carers, regardless of the avenue that gets people there," Mr Graham said.
"We know when we work together and harness community spirit and enthusiasm, we can achieve great things. The time is now to do that for our children."
According to the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, the number of authorised carers has dropped by 14 per cent between June 2021 and June 2024, from 18,369 to 15,871.
Department of Communities and Justice statistics reveal there were 402 children in high-cost emergency care arrangements at the end of June, 2024, probably supervised by agency staff, rather than living in a family-like environment.
Some of those kids are living in hotels and motels, a total of 54 as at June 30.
There are more than 2800 kids living in statutory out-of-home care in the Hunter Central Coast region.
The awareness campaign is being funded with money raised at events held by City of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie City Council.
