I have been a foster carer for many years through this time I have found it costs nothing to give a little bit of love and attention to children. The rewards of having a child cuddling you or telling you 'I love you' far outweighs anything you could ever imagine. I would not change my life for anything or would have it any other way.

Maureen - KARI Carer

One aspect of the Aboriginal culture is that it is very family orientated, where everyone is a mother, father, brother or sister. Children and young people are not just the concern of the parents but the entire community. There are many Aboriginal children and young people in care who are in need of Aboriginal carers. The importance of a child or young person growing up with knowledge of their culture cannot be stressed enough. The well being of any Aboriginal child is dependent upon having an understanding and a connection to their culture and to live in a safe environment that nurtures them and provides the support they need to grow into a healthy young adult.

Being a carer is an important role in a child and young person's life. Many of the children in care have lived in an environment that has caused some trauma and all children will experience grief when taken from their parents and family. These children and young people require a family environment that provides them with a loving and safe home. KARI is looking for quality Aboriginal carers in the South Western Sydney region and surrounding areas to work with us in providing quality care for Aboriginal children and young people. KARI offers a service which provides professional support to its carers whilst they provide a loving home for a child or young person in need of care, support and positive adult role models

To become a carer you are not required to have any previous experience or qualifications as KARI provides a comprehensive training program prior to the assessment process, this enables potential carers to understand what is required of them before making a decision and a commitment to proceed any further. The assessment process requires several visits to your home and once the assessment is completed you as a new carer will begin with a short period of respite care and then as you become more experienced you can nominate to provide other care types. KARI will continue to support you with an allocated caseworker who visits at least once a month and you will be provided with on-going training and information to assist you in providing professional care.

If you think you would like to provide care and support to a child or young person in your home please follow the links below to see the information pack, you can also complete an expression of interest application either online or you can download and complete the form and forward to KARI Aboriginal Resources Inc PO BOX 207 LIVERPOOL NSW 1871. One of our Carer Recruitment Officers will contact you to organise an information session where you can decide if you want to proceed.