Foster carers open their homes to children and young people who cannot live safely with their own families for a time. It is a meaningful role that asks for patience, stability and care.
Foster care can take different forms, depending on a child's needs:
Foster carers provide day-to-day care, support the child's schooling and health, and often help them keep in contact with their family and culture. Carers work alongside caseworkers and other professionals.
People from many backgrounds become foster carers – single people, couples, families with or without children, renters and home owners. What matters most is being able to offer a safe, caring and stable home.
In Australia, foster carers are assessed and authorised under the rules of each state or territory. The process generally includes:
Requirements differ between states and territories, so it is best to contact your state or territory child protection or family services department, or an authorised foster care agency, for accurate information.
If you are thinking about foster caring and would like to talk about how Homeland Care may be able to help, please contact us. You can also read about our Community Network and Our Mission.
