Out of Home Care

Wherever possible, children who are not able to live with their parents are placed with relative or someone close to them. When this is not possible, children are placed with a foster carer.

Foster carers are everyday people who have a heart to help children and give them a future full of hope. Being a foster carer can involve challenges but above all, it is incredibly rewarding.

Foster carers are people who:

• Truly enjoy caring for children and young people
• Enjoy parenting and are open to learning new and different ways to parent foster children
• Are non-judgemental, accepting and compassionate
• Have hope and belief that things can change
• Hold a commitment to ease the pain of children

As a foster carer, you are expected to:

• Provide a safe, supportive and nurturing home environment
• Provide the best possible care and emotional support to meet the child’s everyday needs
• Help the child maintain a relationship with their parents and other family members
• Support the child in their education and recreational activities

Potential foster carers are assessed and trained in this specialist care delivery over a period of 4 months by a Senior Carer Practitioner. Once approved, carers have the opportunity to participate in ongoing clinical training, support and debrief while registered with out service.