There’s nothing more exciting than meeting your very first placement as a foster carer. There’s an air of anticipation in your home as you prepare to make things comfortable for your new guest. You’re experiencing a mix of excitement, nerves and determination as you embrace the challenges that are to be met ahead.
So, how do foster children get matched with loving foster homes? And how can you be sure you’ll be the right fit for your foster placement?
Here, Anglicare Victoria explains the placement process of foster children and how we match kids with loving homes.
Training as a foster parent
Foster parents receive extensive training and assessment before their first placement. During your foster carer training, you will learn a lot about the emotional needs and well-being of foster children. It’s part of your training to learn about the diverse backgrounds from which foster children come, treating every child on an individual basis.
Foster carer training will equip you with the basics to provide the best level of care to foster children. For children with additional needs, further training is available in specialist areas. This means that, regardless of your parenting experience, you will be supported to develop the required skills to provide high-quality care to every foster child.
Matching process: how does it work?
That being said, the aim is for foster parents to be ideally paired with children who are suited to them. Here are some of the most important factors that are considered when matching foster carers with children:
- Skills and experience
The most important factor when matching carers and placements is the skill and experience of the foster parent. Every foster child differs in terms of past experiences, backgrounds, trauma and sensitivity. Foster parents are matched with children who suit their level of skill and experience. A foster child who is exhibiting behaviours resulting from heavy trauma or abuse may not be placed with a first-time foster carer; it’s important that a child who fits this description is placed with an experienced carer who is skilled in responding to these needs.
- Age of the child
The age of the child is another factor that influences the matching process. You may have a preferred age of child to be placed with, and Anglicare Victoria will seek to fulfil this.
- Interests, hobbies and personality
Your interests, hobbies and personality are considered when placing a child in your care. The aim is to pair foster carers with children who have similarities in these respects. This helps to gain their trust and respect, assisting the whole foster process immensely.
Get in touch with Anglicare Victoria today
If you would like to support the children in your community in positive way sign up for foster caring and make Anglicare Victoria your first port of call. Our mission is to empower and support children who’ve had a tough start to life by giving them safe, loving foster homes all over Victoria. If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer or helping out behind the scenes, contact our Carer Recruitment Team and enquire about fostering today.
