Open your heart and home to children with a disability and help them reach their full potential.
We are looking for foster carers across Victoria who have the skills, knowledge and experience to look after children with a disability. Foster carers play an important role in supporting children with a disability to thrive, alongside the child’s care team.
“Fostering is a real team effort and it’s great to be part of that team. Doctors, speech therapists, nurses, birth parents and the agency all make up that team and work together with you to get the best outcome for that child”
Common disabilities include Autism, ADHD, vision impairment, intellectual disability, deaf or hard of hearing and mental health conditions. All kinds of kids need all kinds of foster carers. If you think you can create a safe and supportive environment for a child or young person, then contact us to find out more!
Types Of Foster Placements
When a child with a disability enters foster care, placements include long-term, short-term, respite and emergency care. Foster carers can choose the type of care and length of time they commit to, as well as the age of children and types of disabilities they can care for.
Who Can Be A Carer?
We are looking for foster carers of all ages and genders from all backgrounds and cultures. It doesn’t matter if you’re single or partnered, own your home or rent, or if you work or stay at home. To support children with a disability or complex need, it’s helpful if carers have the skills, knowledge and some experience to look after a child with a disability.
People with relevant experience such as childcare workers, teachers, disability workers, integration aides, occupational and behaviour therapists, medical staff and experienced carers can make great foster carers for a child with a disability. However, anyone who is willing to learn and who can create a safe, consistent and supportive environment is encouraged to apply to foster children with disabilities.
What Support Is Offered?
We’re dedicated to offering a supportive environment for both children and carers alike. As a foster carer you will receive comprehensive training, have a dedicated case manager and receive comprehensive ongoing 24/7 support, and reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses.
This can include training on developmental trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorder, disability, sign language and managing complex behaviour for children with disabilities.
Gippsland Specialist Disability Foster Care Program:
Anglicare Gippsland has partnered with Yooralla to deliver a specialist program for children with disabilities. As part of this program, foster carers and children receive enhanced practical, therapeutic, and financial support tailored to their individual needs, including:
- A support package in collaboration with NDIS providers
- A dedicated case manager and disability support worker
- Access to a dedicated Therapeutic Specialist
- An above standard, tax-free carer allowance, and a retainer payment reflecting the complex needs of children with disabilities
- Ongoing training on caring for children with disabilities.
Next Steps
The process starts with submitting an enquiry and attending an information session. From there we work with you to complete paperwork, training, home visits and assessments, accreditation, and finally placement.
