A critical shortage of foster carers in the Hunter is forcing authorities to place children in motel crisis accommodation.
Fairfax reports around 16 children are currently being cared for in this way, with social services unable to find suitable foster carers.
In one case, a 9-year-old Autistic boy has been living in a motel room since April - he's being cared for by caseworkers on a roster basis.
More than 10,000 children are living in out-of-home care across the Hunter, New England and Central Coast regions.
