Rainbow Hair for Foster Care

A new Victorian campaign will encourage people to colour their hair or attach some free and funky hair extensions in an effort to increase awareness of the need for foster carers.

The Victorian Government has launched the Rainbow Hair for Foster Care campaign to mark Foster Care Awareness Month – held during September.

The campaign encourages participants to colour their hair or wear free rainbow hair extensions supplied by local businesses and organisations.

A major focus of the campaign is to encourage a diverse range of people to become carers, regardless of age, race, religion or sexuality.

Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge said carers played a valuable role in the country.

“We committed more than $55 million in the 2011-2012 budget to improve outcomes for children in out of home care, including increased support for foster carers," Ms Wooldridge said.

"I hope it encourages people across Victoria to get involved."

Ms Wooldridge has also announced two new government initiatives: $600,000 over four years to the Foster Care Association of Victoria to help support carers and to operate a telephone help line, and funds for Care With Me, a support service for children of diverse backgrounds living out of home.

As of June last year there were more than 35,000 Australian children living in out-of-home care.

Chief Executive of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare Dr Lynette Bouy said that more carers were needed to help give foster care to hundreds of children.

“Given the rising demand, it would be wonderful if we could achieve at least 500 extra foster care households by 2013–2014. It’s a big challenge, and one we hope this campaign will help us meet,” Dr Bouy said.

For more information on foster care contact the foster care hotline 1800 013 088.