Muslim Families Needed in Victoria - Foster Parents.
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Muslim families needed in Victoria
8/12/2008 12:53:00 PM
LYSTERFIELD' S Isomer Mosque will next week host an information session to encourage Muslim families to take on children in foster care. Mercy Mission's Muslim community development program Daar Aasya and foster care agency Oz Child will run the December 21 session.
Daar Aasya program manager Mohamed Elmasri said the group hoped to train about five Muslim foster families to care for foster children either short or long term.
Daar Aasya estimates more than 100 Muslim children require foster care in Victoria every year, but fewer than five Muslim families are registered to offer care.
"Although there is a significant Muslim population in Victoria, there is an under-representation of Muslim foster carers available," Mr Elmasri said.
Muslim children had unique requirements when placed in foster care.
"This may include speaking the same language, understanding their normal household routines and eating similar food."
The foster care information session is at the Lysterfield Isomer Mosque, 1273 Wellington Road, Lysterfield, 2-4.30 on Sunday, December 21. Details/registrations: daaraasya@mercymiss ion.org.au or on 0413127595.
Muslim families are also under represented in other states. Please contact your local authorities if you think you can help.
