become a foster carer
Currently, there is a national shortage of foster carers. More and more families are needed to take on this rewarding role.
Apply to be a foster carer now.
People become carers for all sorts of reasons, but the main reason is that they love and enjoy the company of children and believe they have the time and energy to provide a safe and nurturing home for children.
could I become a foster carer?
Anyone who is over the age of 18 years, is an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, in good physical and emotional health can apply to become a foster carer.
You can be:
- single, married or in a de facto or same-sex relationship
- renting, buying or own your home
- working or not working
- from any culture and with a diverse range of life experience
- a parent or have a strong interest in helping children and young people.
While there is no such thing as the ‘perfect’ carer, people interested in becoming carers will need some of the following qualities:
Flexiblity and adaptability: be able to learn new things, experience new situations and be prepared to have days that don’t always turn out as you had planned.
Tolerance and patience: be able to take things one day at a time, and work towards goals while appreciating it may take a long time to get there.
Perseverance: be able to ‘hang in there’ and appreciate that things often do take a while to change.
Understanding: be able to put yourself in ‘someone else’s shoes’ and appreciate how a child is feeling or understand the reasons for their behaviour.