As a foster carer in Australia, I am deeply troubled by the current legislation regarding Parental Leave and Return-to-Work Agreements. Currently, Foster and kinship carers in all Australian states, except for NSW and SA, are NOT entitled to the same legislative Parental Leave provisions as biological/adoptive  parents.

This gap in our legal system leads to several unforeseen consequences that affect both the carers and the vulnerable children we are trying to support.

Foster and Kinship carers often find themselves in precarious positions. Without access to Parental Leave, many of us are faced with extremely difficult decisions: declining to accept placements for vulnerable children, leaving our jobs, reducing work hours, or placing very young children in childcare. Each of these choices can have detrimental effects. Children lose the chance to develop secure attachments and family-based placements become increasingly unsustainable. It is essential for children, especially those living under Child Safety orders, to feel secure and develop attachments with their carers.

Let’s not forget that these are not just statistics; these are real children in need of love, stability, and care, often coming from backgrounds that have already been disrupted. As a potential foster parent, knowing that I'll have the same rights to Parental Leave as any biological parent offers a stronger support system not only for the children but also for the carers who dedicate themselves to offering a home and family.

We urge the Australian government to extend the current legislative Parental Leave and Return-to-Work Agreements to include foster and kinship carers in all states. By doing so, we can ensure that every child in need of a loving home has the opportunity to join one, without carers compromising their employment or financial security. This change will not only promote equality but also improve the accessibility and security of family-based placements for children.

It's time for legislative reform to reflect the changing dynamics of Australian families and to eliminate the discrimination faced by Foster and Kinship carers and the children they care for. **SIGN THIS PETITION** to call for equal Parental Leave rights for all carers across all Australian states. Your support can make a difference in supporting our children and creating a fairer system for everyone.

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