Each year, there are over 2,700 children in care in Western Australia.

Selecting the best possible place for these children to live is important.

The first option is generally for the child to live with the extended family. This gives the child a continuity of family relationships and, where appropriate, the child goes back to live with their family as soon as possible.

Living with the extended family is always the first consideration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. It is also a chief concern for children from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds.

When choosing a care arrangement, the needs of the child are the prime consideration.

Over 40 percent of children in care are Aboriginal and every attempt is made to find extended family or Aboriginal Carers for these children.

Currently nearly half the children going into Foster Care are under five years of age. Children aged between six and 12 years are staying in care longer, some for years.

Sometimes children cannot return to the family home so they may need long term or ongoing care until they are 18 years of age. The child's carer, who may be a member of the extended family, may become the child's legal guardian. This is different from adoption which is another possible option.

More Foster Carers are needed so that children get the care they need. Sometimes sibling groups need to be kept together or children kept in their own neighbourhood so they can stay at their school and continue contact with friends, family and familiar places.

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