Becoming a foster carer to a teenager is one of the most rewarding contributions you can make to your community. Having a supportive adult not only helps teenagers develop a sense of self-worth and confidence, but a belief that they can have a bright and happy future.
As a Foster Carer to teenagers, your role is to provide a safe and loving home to young people aged 13-17. Our Case Managers and Youth Workers are always on hand to provide assistance and link you to other support services as required; including counselling, family mediation, financial assistance, or help with school.
Quick Facts about Foster Care
- Carers receive comprehensive free training and 24/7 case worker support.
- The role is flexible and you can choose to provide a combination of different care types including emergency, respite, short or long-term care.
- A range of support groups, ongoing training opportunities and financial reimbursements are available.
- Financial reimbursements are paid to all foster carers whenever they take a fostering placement. The amount you receive as a foster carer depends on the placement type and the age of the child/young person placed.
- Any adult who has room in their home and is able to provide love and stability, can apply to be a foster carer. It doesn’t matter whether you are single or in a relationship, with or without children, working or at home.
Reasons to Foster a Teenager
- More Independent – Teenagers are often easier to care for than younger children, as they are more independent. This enables many of our adolescent carers to continue working, as the teenagers can usually get themselves to and from school. Teenagers can also be more engaging. It’s much easier to have a conversation with a teenager than with young children.
- Highly Rewarding – Fostering teenagers can be extremely rewarding. The teenage years are the last years before adulthood. Watching them take steps towards becoming more independent and confident can be very satisfying. And the difference you can make is truly remarkable. Find out why Isobel & Scott find fostering teenagers so rewarding.
- Be a part of a supportive community – We know that providing great support is key to a successful foster care placement. We provide training and support groups which aim to make our foster families feel confident and well-equipped in their role.
“They are just looking for a normal day”
People sometimes think teenagers will have more difficult behaviours and be harder to control. And while this can sometimes be true, most of the teenagers in our program just need stability, boundaries and a safe place to stay. All children have issues from time to time, but a supportive environment will help them overcome these. Teenagers are often the preferred option for many foster carers, as they are generally more independent.
The most important thing when fostering teenagers is to take the time to get to know them when they first arrive, to listen to and respect them, and to ensure that boundaries and rules are put in place. The teenage years are the last years before adulthood and it is important to see beyond any negativities and see the longer-term goal – a confident and secure adult.
Anglicare Victoria’s Case Managers and Youth Workers are always on hand to provide assistance and link you to other support services as required including counselling, or help with school. It’s also important to note that young people with violent or at risk behaviours are not accepted into the general foster care program.
Even for short periods of time carers can make a wonderful difference on a teenager’s life and give them the chance of a brighter future. Learn more about Frazer’s experience in foster care and how his carer Hilary had a profound impact on his life.
Foster Care Info Sessions
Interested in learning more about foster care and what’s involved? Attend an info session today – we can do this via phone call, virtually on Zoom from the comfort of your own home, or with a group in one of our offices. We will present the different types of foster care, the roles and responsibilities of carers and the process to becoming a foster carer. The session is designed to help you decide if fostering is something you would like to explore further.
