Foster Carers’ Association of Tasmania chief executive Kim Backhouse said on Sunday there was a desperate need for more people to register their interest in becoming a foster carer.

At present,  about 600 registered foster carers look after more than 1000 children.

Despite claims from the community and organisations that children are not being protected in Tasmania and that the system was difficult to negotiate, Dr Backhouse said the state needed people with safe homes to offer their help.

Dr Backhouse was speaking out to highlight the importance of Foster Care Week, which begins on Sunday, September 13, in recognition of the many in the community who already provide a loving environment for foster children.

Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma last month said she realised the Child Protection System was broken and needed rebuilding.

In response, the government said it would implement several major reforms, including stage two of its plan to recruit, support and train foster carers.

Dr Backhouse said when things went smoothly in foster care, she had seen children thrive in terms of their self-determination and education.

‘‘A child’s rite of passage can completely change by being put into a foster home where they feel safe and nurtured,’’ she said.

‘‘They haven’t had a good start to life; they need a safe home and a caring environment.

‘‘We are in desperate need of more foster carers.’’

Department of Health and Human Services deputy secretary Tony Kemp said as part of the reforms to the out-of-home care system, a renewed focus was being placed on the recruitment of carers.

‘‘All Australian jurisdictions, including Tasmania, want to recruit more foster carers, especially those with the skills and motivation to care for older children, or those with complex behaviours,’’ he said.

‘‘To effectively meet the needs of children in out of home-care, we are looking for foster carers from a broad range of backgrounds and locations.

‘‘Prospective carers are provided with the necessary training and support to ensure that they are able to deal with both the rewards and issues that taking care of a foster child might present.’’

Dr Backhouse said she would like to have access to more funding to attract safe and responsible foster carers in Tasmania.

‘‘I think a lot of people say that they’ve thought about foster care, but don’t know who to approach,’’ she said.

‘‘We need respite carers too, because foster carers need a break.’’