Is Foster Care Right For Me?
If you're thinking about foster care, you're probably wondering if it's something you could really do and what it might mean for your life, your family, and your future.
You might be wondering whether you’re the right person, how fostering could fit within your family or lifestyle, or whether you have what it takes.
These are important questions, but you don’t have to answer them alone. We’ll walk alongside you as you explore whether foster care is right for you, and what caring role might suit your life right now.
Foster carers come from all walks of life and from every cultural background. What matters most is your ability to care for and nurture a child or young person in loving and safe homes as foster parents.
Could fostering work for you?
You don’t need to have everything figured out, but it can help to reflect on a few things:
Your time and capacity
- Do you have time and energy to support a child or young person?
Your home and support network
- Can you provide a safe and stable space for a child to learn, grow and reach their potential?
- Are the other people in your household on board?
Your openness
- Are you comfortable working with a child’s family, caseworkers and other professionals involved in their care?
- Are you ready to support a child who may have experienced trauma or loss?
Basic requirements
There are some basic requirements to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in care. Many people are surprised to learn that they already meet most of these requirements.
- Be over 25 years of age
- Have the time and willingness to commit
- Be well and healthy
- Rent or own your own home
- Have a spare bedroom
- Stable housing (own or rent)
- With or without children
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Willing to undergo background checks
When you foster with CatholicCare, you’re supported every step of the way with training, guidance, and a team who’s there when you need them most.
Still exploring your options?
What types of care are available?
Learn about the different ways you can foster.
How to become a foster carer
Understand the step-by-step process.
Foster care FAQs
Read answers to common questions.
Learn more
You don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers before you reach out. Many of our carers started exactly where you are now – curious, unsure, but willing to learn more. Taking the first step is simply a conversation. No pressure. No commitment. Just a chance to ask questions and explore whether this is right for you.