Mr Fergeus, who also works for support group Anglicare in Bayswater, provides regular respite care for two children.

His mother was a foster carer, with Mr Fergeus becoming an accredited foster carer at just 18.

A drop in carer numbers has prompted a new awareness campaign by care organisations and the State Government. Mr Fergeus partly attributes the drop to a changing society.

"We don't live as much as a community as we used to."

He is hoping the campaign will not only attract more carers, but also break down the stereotype of who a carer might be.

"In particular with young people such as myself, who may not have given it much thought, they should know it's not necessarily full time. You can do respite care for one day a month, or one week a month."

Despite his youth, Mr Fergeus has found his friends and family have been supportive of his caring work.

"By being understanding about what I do, they can help as well."

Mr Fergeus said foster carers not only helped a child and their family, but society as well.

He said money invested in foster care saved costs in areas such as the justice system.