These are some of the question we're often asked about foster care. If you have any questions that aren't answered here, please contact our Fostering Young Lives team
Why do children need foster care?
Children and young people may need foster care when they are unable to live with their birth parents. This could be due to a parent’s drug or alcohol use, depression, family breakdown or other reasons that affect the relationship between the child and their parent.
How long do children stay in foster care?
The length of a placement varies for each child based on their situation. Some children are in foster care for a short time and some need to be fostered in a family that can look after them on a permanent basis until they are 18 years of age. Some children are in respite care which is regular care usually for one weekend a month or fortnight.
Who can be a foster carer?
Foster carers come from all walks of life and choose to foster a child or young person for different reasons. Foster carers need to be at least 21 years of age and can be single, married, in a same-sex couple, living in a city or on a rural property, have children or not, be working, studying, or retired.
Can I become a foster carer if I work?
Many foster carers work full-time or part-time and care for a foster child depending on the needs of the child or young person, the type of care provided, and the flexibility of working arrangements.
Can I choose the age of the child I’d like to foster?
You can chose the age range and the gender of the child you would like to foster. Case managers will talk with you about your preferences and your lifestyle to help match the needs of a child to you and your family.
Do I need to have a big house to be a foster carer?
You don’t need a big or ‘perfect’ house to foster a child or young person. You may own your own home or rent a unit. You will need to have a separate bedroom for a foster child or foster sibling group depending on the age and gender of the children. A separate room gives foster children much-needed privacy and space.
Can I be a foster carer if my children are living at home?
You can foster a child when your own children are living at home, but it is important to talk to them about why you are considering becoming a foster carer and ask them how they feel about it.
Can I apply to be a foster carer if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not stop you from applying to become a foster carer. Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis and your eligibility to apply will depend on the type of offence and when it was committed. There are certain child-related offences and other serious crimes which will automatically disqualify applicants from becoming foster carers.
How do I become a foster carer with The Benevolent Society?
After your initial enquiry you will be invited to attend an information exchange session and complete a foster carer application form. Case managers visit you at your home and seek your permission to undertake a number of checks, including the working With Children Check, personal references, a housing safety check, and criminal record check. They will also ask you to contact your doctor for a health check.
How long does it take to become a foster carer?
It usually takes between three and six months from your initial enquiry to being authorised as a foster carer with The Benevolent Society.
What support will I get if I become a foster carer?
All authorised foster carers at The Benevolent Society receive assistance, support and regular home visits from their case manager. Support is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Foster carers benefit from ongoing training, access to specialist services, regular support groups and a regular allowance.
Are foster carers paid?
An allowance is paid directly to all foster carers to help meet daily expenses arising from caring for a child. These expenses can include clothing, food, activities, and education. The allowance is not considered as income and does not affect any government benefits already received by a foster carer.
Do foster children have contact with their birth parents?
Children in care benefit from ongoing contact with their birth parents, unless there are risks involved. The frequency and type of contact between a child and their parents is determined by what is in the best interests of the child.
Do foster carers meet the child’s birth parents?
Foster carers usually meet the birth parents of the child placed with them during the child’s first contact visit with their parents. This visit is attended by a case manager and is an important step in helping a child feel comfortable with their foster carer.
What happens if the child and I don’t get along?
Foster carers and children in care are supported throughout the placement to help them adjust to each other and the new living arrangements and work through issues as they arise. Additional specialist support and services are available when required.
If you have further questions, contact us by emailing fostering@bensoc.org.au or phoning 02 9504 6694.
All information provided is accurate as of January 2010.