How to Become A Foster Carer
Becoming a foster carer is a thoughtful process and you don't have to rush it. You can take things one step at a time, ask questions along the way to decide what feels right for you and your family.
What the journey looks like
Becoming a foster carer usually takes around four to six months from your first enquiry to being authorised to care for a child. The exact timing depends on your circumstances, and our team will guide you through each step at a pace that feels right for you.
Step 1.
Starting the conversation
Your journey begins with a simple conversation.
Give us a call on 1800 967 894 or email [email protected]. We’ll talk through your questions, learn a little about you, and send you an information pack to help you understand foster care in more detail.
At this stage, you’re simply exploring your options and there’s no ongoing obligation to continue.
Step 2.
Learning and getting to know each other
After reading through the information pack, if you’d like to move forward, you’ll be invited to:
- Return a registration of interest form
- Attend an Information Sharing Session, where we meet you and your family and talk through the process in more detail
This stage is about making sure fostering feels like a good fit for you, just as much as it is about suitability.
Step 3.
Assessment, training and preparation
If you decide to proceed, we’ll guide you through:
- Completing application paperwork
- Background checks, including medical, Working With Children Checks (WWCC), police, referee, and Community Service checks
- Introductory Shared Lives training
- An assessment process involving a series of interviews to understand your strengths, experiences, and readiness to care for a child
This process helps ensure children are placed in safe, supportive homes, as well as ensuring that carers feel confident and prepared.
Step 4.
Becoming a carer and matching
Once your assessment is complete and you’re authorised as a foster carer, we’ll carefully work with you to match a child or young person to your family, based on everyone’s needs and circumstances.
Matching is thoughtful and collaborative – we won’t rush this step. This is to ensure children are placed in safe, supportive homes, as well as ensuring that carers feel confident and prepared.
Support every step of the way
We know fostering takes a team effort. Our carers are never expected to do this alone. As a foster carer with CatholicCare, you’ll receive:
- Ongoing training and learning opportunities
- After-hours crisis support
- A dedicated case manager and regular home visits
- Access to behaviour support specialists when needed
- Financial support, including a fortnightly tax-free care allowance to help cover day-to-day costs
- Respite opportunities, including weekends or school holidays
- Opportunities to connect with other foster carers through support groups, events and shared experiences
Support is built into every stage of the fostering journey.
Read more about the common questions people ask about the foster care:
Ready to take the next step?
You don’t need to have everything figured out. Starting the conversation is simply a way to explore what’s possible for you and your family.