Usually jam-packed with events, Foster Care Week was a lot different in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. But the meaning of the week rings as true as ever.

Across the Wimmera and south-west region, more than 400 children are supported by families in the foster care system, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

MacKillop Family Services carer recruitment and development coordinator Tania Ferris said Foster Care Week was a chance to thank carers for difference they make in children's lives, particularly amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"Foster care always needs a spotlight as we always have kids needing homes," she said.

"We've seen the most incredible foster caring throughout the pandemic. Carers have come up with creative ways to keep the children connected to their biological parents like FaceTiming mum or dad to read a bedtime story and help with homework.

Ms Ferris said the number of children needing foster care fluctuates but there's always demand of short-term, long-term or relief care and without available care across the south-west, children can be forced to relocate.

Ms Ferris said the pandemic had created a number of problems for foster caring as family dynamics have radically shifted.

"COVID will have a drastic effect and we'll see numbers of kids needing care rise as there's been dramatic effect on families such as mental health concerns, financial issues and family violence," she said.

"If we don't have people wanting to do longer care then we see kids bounce from house to house and they can't form attachments to build healthy relationships and trust.

"We want to keep our kids in the region so they can stay in their own schools. A small move from Warrnambool to Hamilton is a huge move for kids.

"In some cases, school could be the only consistency this child has had in their life."

A question many south-west agencies regularly get asked is "How can I help foster carers?".

Ms Ferris said the best way to support the system in the south-west was to become one.

"If you've ever thought about it or you feel the urge to care for kids then enquire with us," she said. "You an be a carer for short term, weekends, relief periods or longer term."

Foster Care Week ran from September 13-19 and normally, agencies hold information sessions, morning teas, celebrations and other events to recognise the foster carers across the region.

This year, amid the coronavirus pandemic, many events were held virtually and the Brophy Family and Youth Services held a number of online events with their foster carers as a thank you and to keep families supported.

Brophy's foster program began more than 20 years ago and has since supported more than 1000 families.

Janine Gapes' work in the community service sector led her to a chance meeting that would change lives as The Gapes Family brought Chloe Nesbitt-Coote into their home.

"Whilst working for a local support agency, I regularly cared for a young girl who was in out of home care," Ms Gapes said.

"The out of home care provider had been unable to find her a foster family due to her high needs and support needed.

"I just kept thinking about children in this situation, being away from the routine of family life and having a cycle of people coming and going.

"This child tugged at the heartstrings of my whole family and it was as a family that we decided to put our hands up as foster carers."

Through Brophy, Miss Nesbitt-Coote was welcomed into the family's home and Ms Gapes became her guardian when she turned 18.

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"I still remember the first night she came to stay with us, it was Christmas Eve. She was so excited and the feeling that gave us was indescribable," Ms Gapes said.

"She continues to live with us as one of the family, while still having a loving and connected relationship with both her maternal and paternal families."

The Gapes Family have also had several other children for respite visits and Ms Gapes has since began working as part of the foster care team at Brophy.

"From the start I always felt that Brophy foster care is entrenched in the local community and helping out local carers and local kids," she said.

"Being part of that and being able to support families and children in our community is very special to me."

The Share Your Care campaign was initiated by several agencies across the Wimmera and south-west Victoria and aims to recruit new families and individuals to support children in their own communities who need a place to stay.

Cobden's Kirsty and Darren Green are apart of the campaign and are encouraging other families to put their hand up to foster care after their children inspired them.

"Foster Care was something that we'd always wanted to do," Mrs Green said.

"Our children saw a campaign on the TV and came to Darren and I and said - 'Mum and Dad, it's time to do that'."

The Green Family have welcomed children aged from 14 months to 15 years into their home.

The Share Your Care campaign works with foster care agencies to recruit people from all walks of life; families of singles, from all backgrounds, with all types of experiences, values, and beliefs to help children and young people in need of care.

"I would encourage anybody to have a go at foster care. Even if you just do some respite, some weekend work, it all helps," Mrs Green said.

"Do it now. We put it on the back burner quite a few times and I wish we had done it a little bit sooner."

To find out more about foster caring, head to shareyourcare.net.au or contact MacKillop Family Services or Brophy Family and Youth Services directly.

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