“Foster Carers are everyday people, making a big difference to the lives of these kids.”

— Chris Brown, CEO of Big Brown House

Who can be a Foster Carer?

Foster Carers are everyday people from all walks of life.

We welcome carers from various backgrounds, ages, life experiences and skills, to help meet the varying needs of children and young people in foster care.

The most important things we look for in carers is the ability to provide a safe and nurturing home, and a desire to help children and young people develop and reach their full potential.

Foster Carers can be:

  • Single or have a partner

  • Have children of their own or no children

  • Be employed, not working, studying or retired

  • Own or rent their home

  • Come from any cultural or ethnic background

  • Be of any gender identity

  • Practice any religion or no religion

Foster Carer requirements:

  • Must be over 21

  • Have the time, energy and willingness to commit to the needs of a child or young person

  • Be healthy

  • Be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident

  • Have a spare bedroom

  • Willing to undergo background checks

Why do children and young people enter Foster Care?

We believe that children and young people should be with their family wherever possible, however for some, it is not safe for them to stay at home for either a short or long period of time.

While each child has a unique set of needs and experiences, almost all children and young people who into Foster Care come from complex family and social situations where there may have been neglect, trauma or abuse.

Children and young people in need of foster care may also have disabilities, medical needs or challenging behaviours, where attending and supporting medical or therapy appointments was too difficult for the family.

Foster care children also have siblings, so ensuring we can provide households where siblings can stay together is essential.

What support do Foster Carers receive?

24/7 Carer Support

Access to support at any time of the day or night for advice, support and direction for a range of needs and situations.

Financial Support

Receive a tax-free allowance to support the needs of children placed in your care. The allowance covers the day-to-day costs of looking after the child or person in your care, such as food, clothing and footwear.

Training

Foster Carers are provided with a range of learning opportunities suited to their level of experience and the needs of children in their care.

Respite Carer Network

Foster families are matched to a respite carer, providing regular and scheduled days or weekends to recharge and reconnect, benefiting both the child and the carer.

What do Foster Carers do?

Foster Carers provide a safe, nurturing and stable home for children and young people in their care. They provide a ‘normal everyday life’, where the child or young person attends school and can participate in sport, hobbies, friendship groups and appointments.

Foster Carers are also supported and encouraged to develop their skills to provide the best care and opportunities for the child or young person in their home.

The child’s birth parents and family may still very important to them. Where safe, children are provided the opportunity to continue their connection to their parents, siblings and other family members.

Talk to our team:

Help make a difference to these kids and find out more about becoming a Foster Carer.

We are here to help answer any questions you have. Please contact our team using the enquiry form below or by calling 0437223164.