What is foster care?
Foster care, also referred to as out-of-home care, is when care is provided for children or young people at times when their own parents or families cannot do so.
The main aim of foster care is to provide a safe, stable and secure home environment for these children when they need it.
Except in emergencies, foster care is usually only organised after other options within the child's own family and other contacts have been explored and exhausted.
If you have any questions or would like to enquire about becoming a foster carer call us on 1300 WEFOSTER or fill out our carer enquiry form
Foster care options in the ACT
Some children only stay in foster care for a few weeks or months. Others may not be able to ever return home and need care until they are 18 years old and over.
You can choose what type of care you are able to give – whether immediate, short term or long term care, your offer is always highly valued.
If you are unsure about the length and type of care you are able to provide, please feel free to discuss with us.
Types of foster care and terminology can vary from state to state. In the ACT, there are four types of foster care. These include:
1. Short term or crisis foster carer
2. Respite carer
3. Long term permanent carer
4. Concurrent foster carer
You can also be a Lead Tenant (a live in mentor for young people) find out more here.
The type of foster care you can provide a child will depend on your own personal circumstances and life stage so take time to read through the care options and read about the experiences of other carers who have provided that type of care.
Many carers end up providing more than one type of care so it’s good to know them all before you make any decisions about what you want to do.
If you are not sure, there is no pressure. We can work through the options with you and you will learn more as we help ‘train’ you before you have to make any decisions.
Pathway to becoming a foster carer
What support will you get?
Lots! Be assured you will never be alone in your foster care experience.
When you become a foster carer with ACT Together you will have access to:
- Case work support for the child
- Carer support person for you
- 24 crisis contact numbers in case of an emergency
- Financial assistance to contribute to the child’s expenses, and ongoing training opportunities.
If you have any questions or would like to enquire about becoming a foster carer call us on 1300 WEFOSTER or fill out our carer enquiry form.
