Hamilton's Chris and Leesa Dorman partner with Fostering Connections ahead of Foster Carer Week

Hamilton residents Chris and Leesa Dorman began fostering children five years ago after their own kids grew up and left the house feeling "lonely".

"We had six children between us and once they all left home, my wife decided the house was a bit big and lonely so we didn't mind fostering," Mr Dorman said.

"Where she worked, there were a couple little ones there that didn't have anywhere to go, so we started doing respite and emergency types of foster care and as we kept doing it we enjoyed it more and have a couple of permanent ones now that have a home with us."

The couple are partnering with Fostering Connections and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to raise the profile of foster care in the south-west ahead of Foster Carer Week which begins on September 12.

Recent data from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing show there are 11,000 children in Victoria's out-of-home-care system and 40 per cent of foster carers in Victoria live in regional areas.

Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare chief executive officer Deb Tsorbaris said foster carers provide children with stability and support.

"All kinds of kids need all kinds of foster carers. Whether you are younger or older, working or retired, fostering for one night or fostering long-term, you can make a difference," she said.

"By providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming home environment, foster carers can help a child in their care feel a sense of belonging and connection - to their family, culture and community."

Mr Dorman said there was fostering that was flexible.

"Kids might be removed from a household in any state and they can be delivered to you that day or night until they can find a more permanent place," he said.

"Or you can have them as permanent care so they stay with you until 18 and there's chances to adopt them down the line."

He said there were many highlights to being a foster carer.

"You get to see them grow and trust people again and just be little kids like they should be. That's what you get the most out of it."

Foster carers must be over the age of 21 and have a spare bedroom. Applicants are trained and undergo checks and are provided with financial support as well as additional forms of assistance.

For more information about fostering a child, call 1800 013 088.