What Is Foster Care?
Foster care is a legal arrangement where a child or young person is placed in the care of an approved caregiver who is not their biological parent. This is often due to reasons such as abuse, neglect, parental illness, substance misuse, or other family crises. The primary goal is to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing while working towards a more permanent living arrangement.
Foster Care in Australia: Overview
In Australia, foster care is managed at the state and territory level, meaning the rules, processes, and agencies can vary slightly depending on the location. However, the general principles remain the same nationwide.
State and Territory Jurisdictions
Each state and territory has its own child protection authority:
New South Wales (NSW): Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ)
Victoria: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH)
Queensland: Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services
Western Australia: Department of Communities
South Australia: Department for Child Protection
Tasmania: Child Safety Services
Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Child and Youth Protection Services
Northern Territory: Territory Families, Housing and Communities
The Foster Care Process
1. Assessment and Referral
Children typically enter the foster care system through:
Court orders following investigations of abuse or neglect
Voluntary agreements between parents and the child protection agency
Emergency removals in crisis situations
Once a child is identified as needing out-of-home care, a caseworker will assess the child’s needs and begin looking for an appropriate placement.
2. Placement with a Foster Carer
Children are matched with a suitable foster carer based on:
Age and gender
Cultural background
Health and behavioral needs
Proximity to school and community ties
Carers may be relatives (kinship carers) or non-relatives (general foster carers).
3. Care Plan and Support
Each child in foster care has an individualized Care Plan developed in consultation with:
The child (if age-appropriate)
Foster carers
Birth parents
Caseworkers
The plan includes details on:
Education
Health needs
Cultural and religious identity
Contact with family
Long-term goals (reunification, guardianship, adoption)
4. Ongoing Monitoring and Review
The child’s placement is reviewed regularly to:
Monitor wellbeing and progress
Ensure the placement is appropriate
Plan for long-term permanency outcomes
Types of Foster Care
There are several types of foster care placements depending on the child’s needs and the duration of care.
1. Emergency Foster Care
Short-term care provided at short notice, often overnight or for a few days
Used in crisis situations
2. Short-Term Foster Care
Temporary care ranging from a few days to several months
Aims to reunite children with their birth families or find another permanent solution
3. Long-Term Foster Care
For children who cannot return to their families
Carers may care for the child until they reach adulthood
4. Respite Care
Short breaks for primary carers (e.g., weekends or school holidays)
Helps prevent burnout and support placement stability
5. Kinship Care
Care provided by a relative or someone with a significant relationship with the child
Often the preferred option for maintaining family and cultural connections
6. Specialist or Therapeutic Foster Care
For children with complex emotional, behavioral, or medical needs
Carers receive extra training and support
Becoming a Foster Carer
Foster carers play an essential role in the welfare of children. Becoming a carer involves a rigorous screening and training process.
Steps to Becoming a Foster Carer
Initial Inquiry
Contact a fostering agency or child protection department
Information Sessions
Attend sessions to learn about the responsibilities and expectations
Application and Assessment
Complete forms, background checks, and home assessments
Training
Mandatory training on child development, trauma, and caregiving
Approval
A panel reviews the application and makes a decision
Matching
Once approved, carers are matched with children based on compatibility
Qualities of a Good Foster Carer
Patience and empathy
Stability and resilience
Good communication skills
Willingness to work with professionals and birth families
Commitment to supporting a child’s development and wellbeing
Support for Foster Carers
Carers are not expected to manage everything alone. They receive a range of supports including:
Financial Support
Fortnightly allowance to cover the cost of food, clothing, transport, and education
Additional payments for children with special needs
Professional Support
Access to a caseworker or placement support officer
Ongoing training and development opportunities
Access to support groups and peer networks
Legal and Emotional Support
Assistance with court processes and care planning
Counseling services for carers and children
Challenges in the Foster Care System
While foster care is a vital service, it is not without its challenges:
Carer shortages, particularly for teens and children with disabilities
Placement disruptions due to behavioral issues or mismatches
Trauma-related challenges that require specialist support
Cultural mismatches, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Foster Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children
Indigenous children are overrepresented in the foster care system. To address this, Australia follows the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle, which prioritizes:
Placement with extended family or community
Maintaining connection to culture, language, and identity
Involvement of Indigenous organizations in decision-making
Programs such as AbSec in NSW and VACCA in Victoria work to improve outcomes for Indigenous children in care.
Transitioning from Care
Young people in Australia "age out" of foster care at 18, although many states offer extended support until age 21. These supports may include:
Housing assistance
Education and training
Financial support
Employment help
Mentoring and life skills programs
Conclusion
Foster care in Australia provides essential protection for vulnerable children, ensuring they have the opportunity to grow up in a stable and nurturing environment. While the system is complex and faces ongoing challenges, the dedication of carers and professionals continues to make a profound difference in the lives of thousands of children each year.
Foster care is not just a service—it’s a community commitment to safeguarding the next generation.
