My Forever Family wants to highlight some of the dedicated carers in NSW providing safe, nurturing and stable homes for children and young people in out-of-home care with the Carer Recognition Awards.

There are five award categories: carers of teens, longstanding carers, carers of siblings, short-term carers and regional or remote carers.

This week is Foster and Kinship Care Week. Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders said it was a great opportunity to celebrate carers and recognise their enormous contribution to the community.

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"During what's been a really challenging time for our community, foster carers have stepped up and taken on more than ever, and the Carer Recognition Awards are a great opportunity to say thank you," he said.

The NSW government has also launched My Forever Family, to provide information and support to carers.

My Forever Family is also leading a recruitment drive for more foster carers.

"We need more people to open their homes and hearts to children in out-of-home care either in a permanent or part-time way," Minister for Families Alister Henskens said.

"The support you give now can last a lifetime and I encourage anyone who is up for a rewarding and life-changing experience to consider becoming a carer."

Nominations close on October 8. They can be made at myforeverfamily.org.au. Winners will be announced at the carers picnic in early 2022.

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