Following the Response_from_Minister_Blandthorn.pdf to the initial tranche of submissions to the petition, there have been over 300 new submissions to the campaign and endorsement and support from carers, workers, sector bodies and agencies, particularly in the lead up to Foster Care Week 2023. The number of submissions is nearly 1780 in total.
The release of the campaign video (above) generated further support from sector agencies including Child and Family Services (CAFS), Anglicare and Berry Street. Agencies have provided public endorsement and sharing of the link to the petition with their supporters.
Following the Response_from_Minister_Blandthorn.pdf to the initial tranche of submissions to the petition, there have been over 300 new submissions to the campaign and endorsement and support from carers, workers, sector bodies and agencies, particularly in the lead up to Foster Care Week 2023. The number of submissions is nearly 1780 in total.
October 2023
The release of the campaign video (above) generated further support from sector agencies including Child and Family Services (CAFS), Anglicare and Berry Street. Agencies have provided public endorsement and sharing of the link to the petition with their supporters.
The FCAV also promoted the campaign at its annual Carer Celebration in Ballarat on 15 September 2023 which was attended by the Minister and DFFH.
With thanks to CAFS, Anglicare Victoria, Berry Street, Cr Josh Fergeus, Lighthouse Foundation, Mallee Accommodation and Support Program MASP and every carer and supporter who has made a submission to the campaign.
Submissions are being used as evidence in seeking further support to the campaign from allies and sector supporters, before the final submission package is delivered to Ministers and the Treasurer ahead of budget round 2024.
Please continue to share the petition link to support the campaign.
August 2023
Thank you to each of the almost 1600 carers and supporters who has made a submission to the Foster Care Association and Permanent Care and Adoptive Families Campaign to Increase the Care Allowance.
The submissions are powerful and eloquent because they tell a simple truth. The Care Allowance is not enough to cover the cost of living and volunteer carers are having to pay for many care expenses out of their own pocket. This is not fair because the Government is financially responsible for all children in home-based care.
The Minister for Child Protection, Lizzie Blandthorn responded to our letter of 20th June 2023 which included the intial tranche of 1000 submissions from foster, kinship and permanent carers, sector professionals, CEOs of agencies and ACCOs and from young people. Read.
Whilst a lack of commitment from the Government to address the urgent care allowance situation concurrent with any reform agenda, is disappointing, the campaign is gaining momentum with support from our sector colleagues, counterparts and other carer supporters and peaks around Australia. We will continue to rally Agency, ACCO and peak body support to the campaign as the more submissions and attention the campaign garners, the greater chance for change.
We will keep you up to date with any further news or correspondence from the Government.
Please continue to share the petition link to support the campaign which will remain open until December 2023 to fit with Budget round submissions. bit.ly/43IfBbJ
