The foster care process
Your foster care journey
The process to become a foster carer usually takes six to nine months. We’re here to help you through every step of the process.
Information session
If you wish to proceed, we’ll invite you to attend an information session in your local area if available. This session will provide more information on how fostering might work for you and your family. If there is not an information session near you, we’ll assist with any questions or provide any information you may need in making the decision to foster a child.
Carer application
We’ll help you complete our ‘Application for Approval’ form and apply for a blue card (if applicable) and any screening checks that you will need before becoming a carer.
Assessment
Initial training
You’ll complete our initial carer training, along with all adult members of your household.
Decision
If your application is approved, we’ll provide information about the type of care and the children you’re authorised to provide care for. You’ll be asked to sign formal documentation, agreeing to abide by our policies, procedures and guidelines.
Not everyone is approved to be a carer, sometimes it isn’t the right time or circumstances but you may be eligible in the future and you can always choose to appeal the decision.
Matching
As an approved Foundations Care foster carer, you’ll be assigned a caseworker. Your caseworker will help match a child or young person with your family and the type of care you can provide. You’ll receive information about the child, reasons for their placement, how long the placement is expected to last, and any contact arrangements for family and professionals.
Ongoing support
You’ll receive ongoing support from your caseworker and the organisation throughout your entire care journey. This starts with the support you receive during the transition to ensure you, your family and the child or children entering your care are comfortable. Your caseworker will also conduct regular house visits to support stability in the placement and is available 24/7 should support be required.
Ongoing training
We’ll provide ongoing education and training to help you look after the person in your care, and provide strategies and solutions to deal with challenges that may arise.
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.