Foster care is provided to children or young people up to the age of 18 years of age when they’re unable to live with their birth families. Children and young people are placed in care when they’re at risk of significant harm or neglect, or in times of family crisis where the parent or guardian is unable to secure work or housing, experiencing declining health or has a disability. A parent or guardian can also voluntarily seek foster care support for their children. Where possible, children and young people will return home once it’s safe to do so, while others will need foster carers who can give them a permanent home. 

Being a foster carer isn’t always easy. But it can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll provide a safe, stable and loving place to call home for a child or young person who may have faced challenging circumstances or trauma. You can use your skills, experience and passion to support children to build resilience as they work through any hardship while helping them adjust to living with a new family. You’ll work alongside an organisation committed to helping people most in need. And you’ll be supported financially, receive professional training and have ongoing support.

Our team will discuss with you any preferences you have including age or gender and will aim to match a child to you that suits your circumstances.

It can take up to 12 months to become an authorised foster carer. Depending on which type of care you choose, it [could take days] or up to [several months] to be matched to a child or young person.

Yes, we believe it’s important to continue fostering positive relationships with their birth family and we encourage you to remain connected with their birth family, community and culture. A case manager will support you to maintain those relationships and have regular, supervised visits with their birth family.

We’ll provide you with ongoing support and access to specialist support services if needed to help you manage any concerns or challenges that may arise.