The time it takes to become an approved foster carer varies. Applicants are encouraged to progress at their own pace, however on average the process takes between 6 and 9 months. During this time, prospective carers will complete checks and assessments to determine if they will be suitable carers, and undergo training to prepare for placements.

To learn more about the process, refer to steps to become a foster carer page.

Yes, you can discuss your particular area of interest and what type of care you think may be suited to your family with your foster agency. For example, if you are only looking to take on children for short periods of time, you may be better suited to respite or emergency care.

To learn about the different types of foster care.

Taking on a child for any length of time, whether short or long, is likely to have a profound impact on yourself and your family members. It is important to include your family and all your household members in discussions about becoming a foster carer.

All household members will need to meet with the foster care assessment worker and be involved in the process of becoming a foster carer.

Becoming a foster carer is a complex process; however, you will receive support and guidance from your foster care agency to undertake all the necessary steps. The includes an application with a range of checks and an assessment process that includes home visits with the foster care agency.

To learn more about the process, refer to steps to become a foster carer.

You will have access to a broad range of training to help you understand the role of foster carer and provide you with the skills and knowledge to provide nurturing, healing care for children and young people. Some of this training will occur during the assessment phase and is a requirement for approval. Other training is available post approval to further prepare you for the role and build on your skills and knowledge. You will also be able to access training when you have a child or young person in your care that helps you meet their individual needs. When and how this training is undertaken varies between foster care agencies.

To learn more about training, refer to steps to become a foster carer.

Children and foster carers are matched according to the child's needs and the preferred family structure of the carer or carers. To minimise disruption to the child, they usually stay in their local area wherever possible.

If a child is staying for a short period they will usually remain at their own school so they continue to have contact with familiar people and places.

If they are in a long-term placement then schooling options for the child are discussed in partnership with the child's care team .

To learn more about decision-making for children in care, refer to be involved in decision-making.

In most cases, carers are encouraged to include the child in their care on family trips and holidays. You need to discuss the holiday plans with the child’s case worker beforehand to ensure it does not interfere with the child’s case plan or family contact.

For more information about decision-making for children in care, refer to the Who can say OK? online guide.

You can provide a guideline of what placement you think would best fit your family and lifestyle. For example, if you have your own children, you may wish to provide care for children who are similar in age. Specifying a placement preference does not guarantee that you will receive a matching placement, and the focus is always on placing a child in a safe and loving home with a carer and family that can meet their needs.

No, you do not have to declare the subsidy you receive for the child or young person as income.

For more information, refer to carer support payments.

Yes, you are entitled to turn down a placement for any reason (e.g. child is not suitable for your circumstances, bad timing, etc.).

Your foster care agency will provide you with as much information as is available about a potential placement to ensure you are able to make an informed decision before taking on a child.

Each child in foster care has a case worker who is responsible for arranging family contact. The case worker will work with the carer to organise family contact, and the carer usually does not have contact with the child’s family.

Foster carer details are not provided to the child’s family to protect the carer’s privacy.

You can learn about foster care by exploring become a foster carer. You can also contact the Department for Child Protection’s Foster Care Services on 1300 2 FOSTER (367 837). Foster Care Services can talk to you about what care type might suit your lifestyle, and what agencies will be best placed to support you.

You can also contact foster care agencies directly - refer to foster care agencies.