Across the country there are about 45,000 children in out-of-home care... and about 8,000 are in a foster care home.  

These children rely on foster carers who open their homes ... they feed and clothe them, provide emotional support and often help them stay connected to their birth families.

But in Victoria, some foster carers are reporting sudden reductions in their allowances for looking after children with high-level needs.  At the moment, it's an issue that seems to be limited to Victoria.

But it highlights the ongoing challenges around the country when it comes to finding foster carers for children who need safe and stable homes.

And the number of foster carer families has been dropping across all states and territories over the last five years.

Cost of living pressures...  low carer allowances...  and carers feeling undervalued: It all adds up to a system that's letting down carers... and vulnerable children.

So, what needs to change?