Day: June 27, 2022

Image: Ahmad Malas – Program Director, My Foster Family, Ismail Davids – CEO of National Zakat Foundation, Hayfa Bakour – Project Officer, My Foster Family, Asif Mulla – Director of National Zakat Foundation, Dalal Johnson, Barnardos Foster Carer, Amy Weeks, Deirdre Cheers, Helen Fenwick, Ruth Drennan, Shaun Naidoo, Georgia-Lee Henricks, Bill Greenfield, Mary Haiek. Front row: Madona Labib

Barnardos Australia and My Foster Family have joined forces to improve the experience of Muslim children in foster care.

At the official launch held yesterday at the Barnardos Auburn Children’s Family Centre, representatives from Barnardos and My Foster Family came together to announce the partnership and what it will mean for Muslim children in the foster care system.

Barnardos Australia CEO Deirdre Cheers said “We are thrilled to partner with My Foster Family as part of our commitment to keeping children connected to their family, culture & community. We understand the need for Muslim children to be cared for a way which respects their faith. The community connections and cultural training that My Foster Family provides will be invaluable to both our Muslim and non-Muslim carers. We look forward to building a strong relationship and connection to the community through this partnership which will help us achieve positive outcomes for our children, young people and families.”

My Foster Family (MFF) was created to support Muslim children in finding exceptional foster carers who can provide stability, support and love to a child. MFF advocate for the needs of Muslim children in the system and provide cultural humility training for carers to learn how to better cater for Muslim foster children.

“We are really excited about working with Barnardos and the benefits this partnership will bring to the Muslim community. This collaboration will form an integral part of delivering a high-quality service that meets a strong community need. The synergies between both organisations will bring together industry leaders, best practice, and a deep cultural understanding that will have a positive impact in the multicultural foster care space.” Ahmad Malas, Director, My Foster Family said.

Barnardos vision is to empower every child in Australia to reach their full potential and believe a positive identity and sense of belonging is essential for vulnerable children to recover and thrive.

Both Barnardos and My Foster Family recognise the need for children to be able to practice and understand their faith. It is hoped that this partnership will encourage more foster carers to come forward from within the Muslim community as well as providing non-Muslim carers with support in meeting the needs of Muslim children who are under their care.