FOUNDATIONS Care Centre, a new out-of-home care service provider in the Northern region was officially opened last week by Minister for Family and Community Services Pru Goward and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.
“We made a commitment at the last election to transfer the out-of-home care system to the non-government sector, and this launch today is another example of our government delivering on our commitment,” Ms Goward said.
“Within 12 months of commencing operations in the Northern region, Foundations Care is already supporting 81 children and young people in out-of-home care, with funding of approximately $3.3 million.
“Already in the Northern region since 31 August 2013, more than 550 young people have been transitioned and are now being case managed by non-government organisations,” Ms Goward said.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall welcomed the increased investment in the region, and thanked Foundations Care for bringing their services to Armidale.
Foundations Care national manager Jason Thatcher said that they were committed to providing supportive family-based placements for young people within the NSW Out-of-Home Care program.
“We are excited to partner with the Department of Family and Community Services in serving the needs of children and young people in the Northern region.
“Through this partnership, we have been able to offer five new permanent employment positions in the local area.
“Foundations Care understands the reality of foster care and the importance of providing young children a stable and safe family environment,” Mr Thatcher said.
Foundations Care is now part of a suite of NGO services to the Northern region including Life Without Barriers, Challenge, and Tamworth and Armidale Aboriginal Children Services (TAACS).
