Is foster care for me?

Is foster care for me?

You may have been considering fostering for some time. Choosing to foster a child is not an easy decision. And it shouldn’t be.

Foster care requires flexibility, commitment, patience and hard work. It can be challenging but it’s also extremely rewarding.

As a foster parent, you can make an important difference to a child’s life, at a time when they need it the most. You can experience the joy of offering children a safe, nurturing environment. You can watch them grow and develop their self-esteem and confidence.

And anyone can make a difference. With the support of people just like you, children and young people who are vulnerable or at risk have a chance at a new future.

Who can be a foster carer?

There are many misconceptions about carer eligibility. At Foundations Care, we welcome foster carers from all family situations, backgrounds and cultures.

You can be:

  • From any sexual orientation
  • Single, married or in a de-facto relationship
  • Renting, buying or own your house or unit
  • Working full-time, part-time or not working
  • From any ethnic or cultural background, and with a diverse range of life experience
  • With or without children
  • Young or old

Am I eligible to apply?

There are some compulsory requirements to become a foster carer. You must be at least 18 years of age (in Queensland), 21 years of age (in New South Wales) and 25 years of age (in Western Australia).

You must also:

  • Be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident
  • Have current police and Working With Children checks, or willing to apply
  • Have a spare bedroom available for a child
  • Complete health, home and environment checks
  • Complete training to become accredited and authorised as a foster carer

Do I have what it takes?

There is no such thing as the ‘perfect carer’. Every carer is different, just as every child is different.

Regardless of your age, income, marital status or otherwise, your commitment to caring for a child and providing a safe home is what matters most.

Almost anyone can consider becoming a foster carer—it just comes down to what’s in your heart.

  • Are you compassionate, kind and respectful to children and young people?
  • Do you have time to spend with a child?
  • Are you able to listen and empathise with a child’s feelings and behaviours?
  • Are you willing to help a child maintain their connections with their family?
  • Are you able to be flexible and respond positively to new experiences and situations?
  • Are you able to set boundaries to help children and teens know what is expected of them?
  • Are you patient and able to understand that things may take time to change?
  • Is everyone in your household willing to participate?
  • Are you willing to work with a child’s care team and birth family to achieve the best outcomes?

Start your foster care journey today

Our foster carers are everyday people like you. And with the support of our experienced team, you too can make a positive difference in a child or young person’s life.

Take the first step

Now’s the right time.

Perhaps you’ve been thinking about becoming a foster carer for some time. Now is the time to act and make a real difference to the life of a child.

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What happens next?

1. One of our friendly staff will call you.
2. We’ll answer your questions and guide you through the applications process. Easy!
3. Friendly and jargon-free communications at all times.

Becoming a foster carer will be one the biggest achievements in your life, and make an amazing difference to the life of a child.

James, 58, Ballina