Emergency foster carers across NSW will receive a significant increase in financial support, with the Minns Government more than doubling the immediate crisis payment for children placed in their care.
The payment will rise from $75 to $200 per child, marking the first increase in more than two decades and aimed at helping carers cover essential items such as clothing, food and nappies when children arrive with little notice.
Emergency foster carers play a critical role in providing safe, short-term placements for children and young people at times of crisis, often stepping in at short notice while longer-term arrangements are made.
Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said the increase recognises the importance of that role and responds directly to feedback from carers.
“Emergency foster carers do something truly remarkable. They care for children in crisis at short notice, providing them with a safe and loving home when they need it most,” Ms Washington said.
“When we came to government, I heard from foster carers that they hadn’t felt valued in years. Our reforms are designed to value and respect foster carers as key partners in keeping children safe.
“This is a practical reform that reflects what carers have been asking for.”
The increase forms part of broader reforms to the foster care system, including a 20 per cent rise in the ongoing care allowance delivered earlier this year.
The government said a carer supporting a typical 14-year-old child is now more than $4,500 better off annually as a result of those changes.
The updated crisis payment will apply to placements made at any time, including overnight or outside standard business hours, with the aim of improving consistency and fairness across the state.
The change follows ongoing consultation with carers and advisory groups, who raised concerns about the upfront costs of caring for children arriving with minimal belongings.
Carers for Kids NSW CEO Renee Leigh said the increase would help address those immediate pressures.
“Emergency Carers open their home at a moment’s notice to children arriving at their door with minimal belongings,” Ms Leigh said.
“Carers in our Carer Advisory Groups have raised the need for addressing set-up payments to assist carers purchasing immediately needed necessities including clothing and nappies.
“It is a win that their requests are being actioned, so they can sustain their vital roles.”
Department of Communities and Justice Secretary Michael Tidball said the increase reflects the realities faced by carers and strengthens the system’s ability to respond to children in need.
“Emergency carers play a critical role in providing immediate stability and safety for children at a time of crisis,” Mr Tidball said.
“This increase acknowledges the realities carers face when bringing a child into their home at short notice and strengthens our ability to support them to provide care that is safe, stable and responsive to children’s needs.”
The payment increase is part of a broader $1.2 billion child protection reform package being rolled out by the NSW Government, aimed at improving outcomes for children in out-of-home care and strengthening support for carers.
The government is also encouraging more people to consider becoming foster carers, particularly for emergency placements, where demand remains high.
Got something you want to say about this story? Have your say on our opinion and comment hub, North Coast Times Engage