Caring for Tasmania's foster carers

The event is the first of its kind in 10 years and has been reinstated due to last year's impact on the sector.

Last year's lockdown left many foster and kinship carers feeling disengaged from community.

Foster and Kinship Carers Association Tasmania's vice president, Anita Jones, believes that the conference is a valuable opportunity for the Tasmanian foster and kinship caring community to come together and support one another.

"Its really important to hold carer connect events like the state conference, it's really important for us [FKAT] as an organisation that we provide those opportunities for connection" she said

It's important for careers to feel that they have a community, that they're supported and that other people understand their journey".

The conference is a free event for foster, informal and kinship carers with keynote speakers, lunch and personal development courses on offer.

The event is an opportunity to thank these carers for their work with Tasmania's most vulnerable children.

"We need to recognise that these carers are going above and beyond and need to be acknowledged", she said.

"So, putting on these nice events is a nice way of saying thank you because we recognise that their job is really important".

At the conclusion of the state conference, a foster care community awareness event will be held between 4-5pm.

Ms Jones and FKAT encourage anyone who may be considering foster care, to come along and get some more information.

Whilst foster caring comes with a unique set of challenges, Ms Jones is a firm believer in focusing on all the positive stories.

"We are hearing positive and encouraging stories all the time" she said

"Stories of how far carers are willing to go to provide care, love and stability for these children. And wonderful stories of restoration - families being able to be restored thanks to these carers"

The Tasmanian conference will be held at the Tailrace Centre at Riverside on May 21 between 10am-4pm

The community awareness event will be held directly afterwards between 4-5pm