Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that people have many questions about becoming a foster carer. Here we summarise the most frequently asked questions about foster care. More detailed information is located on this site, but if you don’t find the answers to your questions here, please do go to ‘Contact Us’ and we’ll be happy to answer your questions direct.

Who are the children who need care?

Children and young people of all ages between 0 – 17 years inclusive may enter care. Infants, adolescents, Indigenous and non-Indigenous children, sibling groups and children with special needs are specific types of children who may require care.
Read more About our Children

I am a single person. Can I still be a carer?

Yes. Many single people make successful carers. You don’t have to be married to become a carer, it’s the qualities you bring to caring that count the most. Some of these qualities include patience, understanding, commitment and a good sense of humour!

We are a couple in a defacto relationship. Can we become carers?

Yes. Couples, whether married or in defacto relationships, including same sex couples, can all apply to become carers if they can provide a child or a young person with a stable and nurturing home environment.

Do you have to be a parent to become a carer?

No, you do not have to be a parent to become a carer. Family and Children’s Services recognises that people with many special qualities and life experiences can make exceptional carers.

We live in a small unit. Can we still apply?

Yes. Good foster caring happens in all types of homes. It is not the size of your home but the characteristics of the people who live there that makes the difference. Whether you rent or own your own home, live in a house or a unit, it doesn’t matter. As long as there is enough space in your home for a child to live, play and have some privacy.

Are people who work able to become carers?

Yes. Many parents successfully balance the demands of caring for their family with their employment, and many carers can too. Carers can be employed in full-time or part-time jobs. Caring can be a demanding role in itself, and is also suited to people who are not employed.

I already have a busy lifestyle life, but would still like to help. Can I care too?

We understand that life can be hectic for many other reasons such as sporting or social commitments. It’s important that carers do take the time to enjoy their own interests. However, carers with particularly busy lifestyles may be more suited to providing respite care, that is caring for children on weekends or during the school holidays.

How will I manage the costs of caring for a child in my home?

All registered carers receive a weekly carers allowance. This allowance varies according to the age of the child and whether the child is identified as having special needs. The allowance is intended to cover the basic costs of caring for the child. Other extraordinary costs can be paid or reimbursed to the carers. A carers allowance is not considered to be a source of personal income.
Read more about Foster Care Allowances.

How do people get selected to become carers?

Caring for children unable to live in their family home is a very special and important role, so choosing the right people for the task is esssential. The selection process involves child-safe screening checks and a series of interviews, some of which will happen in your own home. These interviews are a way to find out more about you and the individual qualities you can bring to caring.
Read more about Becoming a Carer.