Foster care is not a one size fits all approach.

We encourage people from all different backgrounds, experiences and families to consider foster care.

Who can become a Foster Carer?

Our minimum requirements:

• – Be at least 21 years old
• – Be able to pass relevant background checks & have good physical and emotional health
• – Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (in most cases)

 

We value diversity. Our foster carers are:

 

• – Single or coupled
• – Parents or non-parents
• – LGBTIQA+
• – Working full-time or retired
• – Renting or owning their home
• – From diverse cultural backgrounds with diverse life experiences
• – Dedicated to maintaining and supporting children’s connection with their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander family, community and culture.

 

What types of Foster Care are there?

Respite care

This involves short-term or alternating care of children living with full-time foster or kinship carers, (e.g. one or two weekends a month, during school holidays or as required), to provide full-time carers with respite and provide a positive experience for the child.

Emergency care

This is the care of a child who requires immediate care due to concerns for their safety. Because these arrangements are urgent, there is usually very little notice before a child or young person is placed with the carer. They can often occur in the night.

Short term foster care

Short term care is limited in time, ranging from overnight up to about six months. Children and young people requiring short-term care are often reunified with their parents or may be placed with extended family at the end of the foster care arrangement.

Short term care may be needed because of:

• an emergency e.g. illness or other family crisis
• intervention by Child Protection, where a child is removed from their parents to ensure their safety and well-being.

During short term care, the carer has an important role in promoting the child’s contact and connection with their family and community.

Long term foster care

This is where a child or young person cannot return home for some time. It may end when a permanent care order is made, or when the child or young person reaches adulthood and becomes independent. Unless specified by the Children’s Court, children in long-term care maintain contact with their families. The carer has an important role in promoting the child’s contact and connection with their family and community, even in long-term care scenarios.

Are you our next Foster Carer?

Complete the form below and one of our team will be in touch!

*is a required field.

Please download this information booklet Foster Care Info Booklet