Two Batemans Bay cafes are using cups to aid the call for more foster carers.
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Se7en Cafe and Amber's Cafe have been serving drinks in eco-friendly coffee cups branded with CareSouth's logo and information to raise awareness of the need for more foster carers, as part of Foster Care Week from September 10 to 16.
"We need foster carers across all types of care, but there is currently a critical shortage of short-term carers to support young people returning to their families," said Rebecca Henderson from CareSouth.
She said CareSouth was asked to find carers for more than 200 children across NSW in the past week alone, because they could not live safely at home.
The theme for this year's Foster Care Week is heart of gold, and CareSouth is calling for more big-hearted people to provide loving homes for children and young people unable to live with their own families.
The rewards are huge, according to Cliff Burton and Anthony Simpson, who became foster carers after moving from Sydney to the South Coast in 2020 - opening their home and hearts to a young girl.
"We knew there was a need, and we had considered it for a while," Mr Burton said.
"When we made the move it all lined up for us - we had the space and the time and the love to give."
He said the foster care journey was a "wild ride" of constant learning.
"One day she asked for tights, and we got stockings," Mr Burton said.
"Then there was jeggings, not leggings. We didn't know the difference and weren't aware of how important those little things were.
"Choosing the right thing is so important to her, it shows we care enough to learn what they are. Now we know," he said.
Highlights of their time together included a party each year on the anniversary of the girl coming into their long-term care.
"We get a photo book made of all the memories we have created that year, and we all choose our favourite photos," Mr Burton said.
More memories are on the wat, with plans to add a puppy to the family, but the young girl burst into tears when she saw a photo of the dog.
"I asked her what was wrong, and she said, 'These are not sad tears, these are happy tears, that's never happened before'," Mr Burton said.
"It's little moment like those that make the foster care journey worth it."
Foster carers take on the responsibilities of a parent by providing a safe, nurturing and secure family environment, with financial assistance available to meet the additional costs incurred.
Types of foster care include long-term, short-term, respite and emergency care, along with restoration to family, kinship care, guardianship and adoption.
Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer is asked to call CareSouth on 1300 554 260.
