As a foster carer, you can choose from several different types of foster care placements ranging from emergency care right through to respite and longer-term care.
People from all walks of life can become carers. It doesn’t matter whether you are in a relationship, older, younger, with or without kids, working or at home – everyone can make a positive difference in a child’s life.
We’re dedicated to offering a supportive environment for both children and carers alike. This ensures better outcomes for everyone involved. Our carers are trained, provided with access to comprehensive ongoing support, and reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses related to care.
Foster Care Info Sessions
Anglicare Victoria has both ‘in-person’ and online options available for all stages of the Foster Care process. Find a FREE foster care information session near you.
To speak to someone about fostering or to start the application process, please fill out the expression of interest form below or contact us at:
- Eastern Melbourne Metro Region – 1300 889 335
- North Melbourne Metro Region – 03 9301 5200
- West Melbourne Metro Region – 03 9396 7400
- Southern Melbourne Metro Region – 03 9293 8500
- Bendigo & Loddon Region – 03 5440 1100
- Gippsland Region – 03 5135 9555
Expression of Interest
For all other areas in Victoria, please contact Fostering Connections on 1800 013 088 or visit fosteringconnections.com.au
Training for Foster Carers
The Foster Care training program, ‘Shared Lives’, is a broad and informative program which equips carers with the tools and skills needed to manage a variety of issues that children and young people may experience in care. The information helps carers understand how to support children with traumatic backgrounds and implement strategies for challenging behaviours.
Training addresses factors like some of the myths around fostering, about helping children feel safe while also promoting positive behaviour and looking closely at identity and culture. A good deal of the training highlights how carers are supported during their role as foster carers.
For more information on becoming a Foster Carer, Download The Information for Prospective Carers Booklet
Videos
Foster Mum Pat | Giving love and safety to the most vulnerable babies
Fostering Teens | "They're just looking for a normal day."
A Conversation with a Foster Carer
Foster Care is Rewarding
Myths About Foster Care
Long-Term Foster Care
What is Respite Foster Care?
What Makes a Good Foster Carer?
The beginning of having a father
"My Foster Home is where I belong"
"I got everything from them"
Arabic Translation Videos
Become a Foster Carer with Anglicare Victoria
Attend a Foster Care Information Session with Anglicare Victoria
Learn about Long Term Foster Care
FAQs
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First and foremost, carers require a commitment to the wellbeing of children and young people, an ability to be flexible, patience and understanding, a good sense of humour and an ability to work well with other people. We provide training for carers, to help them develop skills and learn about young people who have lived through traumatic experiences and troubled family lives. A good carer will be understanding of children and young people’s behaviour, and be patient and perceptive in dealing with their needs.
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The primary aim of foster care is to provide children and families a secure, supportive and educational environment so that they can eventually reunite. Where this is not possible, the aim is generally to find a stable, long-term environment where the child can live (permanent care or adoption, for example).
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Our foster care programs provide a safe and supportive environment for children and adolescents who are unable to live with their own families for various reasons. We also offer support for families in crisis, and families who have a child with a disability or developmental delay.
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Carers may go ‘on hold’ or discontinue their care at any time. However, potential applicants are strongly encouraged to consider the importance of stability for children in foster care and understand the commitment involved in accepting a placement.
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Casework staff are on-call 24/7. They are trained and available to provide assistance in any scenario that may arise during care. They can also refer children or carers to other services or training as required. We also offer carer support groups and training programs.
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It is generally preferred that children are placed close to their current school, so they can continue with their enrolment. In most cases, the carer will transport the child to and from school. However, there is some flexibility and it depends on the needs of the child.
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The age of children and young people in foster care ranges from 0-18 years. Carers can specify the age and gender of the children they wish to care for.
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People are needed to provide all types of care, from respite to longer-term. People are also needed who can care for sibling groups to keep children from the same families together. Boys aged between 6-13 years of age are among the most difficult children to find foster care placements for.
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Carers receive a tax-free fortnightly reimbursement from the Department of Health & Human Services. The amount of this reimbursement is dependent on the age of the child and the complexities of the care needs.
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We offer four main types of foster care, with different support time frames.
Short term care
Short Term Care can vary from a few days to a few months, depending on the needs of the child and when it is appropriate for the child to return to their family.Long term care
Long Term Care lasts up to two years or more. In some circumstances the child or young person can stay with their carers until they turn 18.Emergency care
This is where a carer provides a safe and secure home at short notice, often for just one or two nights in an emergency or crisis situation.Respite care
This is where a child or young person is placed in foster care on a regular basis, usually for just one weekend per month or for up to two weeks during school holidays. It is often used to provide a much-needed break for full-time carers or birth families at risk of breakdown. -
People from all walks of life can become carers. It doesn’t matter whether you are married, single, older, younger, with or without kids, or in a same-sex relationship – everyone can make a positive difference in a child’s life.
Key attributes of carers include empathy, compassion, resilience, optimism, dependability, flexibility and willingness to work as part of a team.
To find out more about becoming a carer, fill out our online enquiry form or call one of our centres:
Eastern Metro Region – 1300 889 335
North Metro Region – 03 9301 5200
West Metro Region – 03 9396 7400
Southern Metro Region – 0499 016 445
Bendigo & Loddon Campaspe Region – 03 5440 1100
Gippsland Region – 03 5133 9998For all other areas of Victoria please contact The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare on 1800 013 088.
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The first step is to attend a free information session. You will learn about the different types of foster care we provide, and about the support we offer our carers. You’ll then undertake a comprehensive training course, and need to submit the relevant paperwork. Finally, a staff member will meet with you to complete the assessment process. You may then be approved as an accredited carer. This process usually takes between three to six months, but can sometimes be longer depending on the circumstances.