Challenge Children's Services NSW state manager Chris Brown is hoping for more foster carers

And Challenge Children’s Services NSW state manager Chris Brown is calling for more foster carers.

"Nearly one in 100 children in Australia are living in out-of-home care today," he said.

"An average of 213 children enter out-of-home care nationally each week and more than 65 children are placed in care each week in NSW alone." 

More than 3000 children in NSW entered out-of-home care for the 2013-14 financial year, which is about 62.46 children a week. 

More than 11,000 in the country entered out-of-home care between July 2013 and June 2014. 

The organisation believes the statistics highlight the urgent need for foster carers. 

Mr Brown said Challenge Children’s Services was a relatively new out-of-home care provider in Albury.

“Challenge continues to grow but is seeking more foster carers in Albury,” he said.

“People who can offer respite, emergency care, short-term and long-term care in their homes are being asked to please consider fostering.”

Mr Brown recently visited the Albury office and talked with staff and foster carers about the importance of giving children a positive future. 

Currently Challenge Children’s Services looks after more than 500 children and more than 400 foster carers.  

There are about seven people employed at Challenge Children’s Services in Albury. 

They work with foster carers, children and young people to ensure they are given the best start in life. 

Mr Brown commended the dedicated foster carers as well as the workers. 

Challenge Children’s Services helps put children and young people into respite, which is weekend support, short-term care, which is up to three months, long-term care, which is up to the age of 18 and crisis care, which begin immediately for a few days or up to three months. 

Anybody interested in fostering can phone Richard on (02) 6064 1000 or visit www.challchildren.org.au.