NSW Department of Community Services' (DoCS') Western Regional Director Glynis Ingram said there are some wonderful people who have answered the call to help care for children and young people in the area - but more are needed.

"We always need more foster carers in Canowindra, both short and long-term. If you can't look after a child full-time you can still help by becoming a respite carer and giving another carer a break,'' Ms Ingram said.

"We are particularly looking for carers who would be willing to provide a home for teenagers or a group of brothers and sisters.

"It would be great to find some foster carers who have experience in caring for large families and are suffering 'empty nest syndrome'.

"Approximately 10 children in the Canowindra area are currently in out-of-home care with foster carers and relatives. But if there are not enough local carers, children and young people may need to be placed outside the area.

"DoCS is appealing to the local community to help ensure children can continue to go to the same schools and keep the same friends.

"The bigger the pool of foster carers, the more likely we are to match each child to the right carer or family for their individual needs," she said.

People interested in learning about foster care are invited to visit the DoCS information stall at the Cowra Show on 11 and 12 September.

"Members of the DoCS Western Region Carer Support Team will be available to provide realistic information about fostering and talk about the profound difference it can make to the lives of children and young people.

Ms Ingram said DoCS has increased standard payments per fortnight for foster carers looking after young people aged 14-17 years to $580 and for children aged 5-13 years, the allowance has increased to $432.

"The Department provides foster carers with ongoing training and caseworker support to help them look after a child," she said.

To find out more about foster care in Canowindra, please call Doug James on 02 6341 1855 or 0428 685 275. You can also call DoCS' Foster Care Recruitment Line on 1800 011 110, between 7am to 10pm, seven days a week or visit www.community.nsw.gov.au