About Foster Care

Learn about:

The different types of foster care

Who can become a foster carer

The process of becoming a foster carer

Support offered to foster carers

Foster Care FAQs

Hear from former children in care

Types of care

Fostering can fit into your stage of life. Whilst we are always on the lookout for those open to long-term foster care, now more than ever, there is a need for emergency, respite and short-term foster carers.

Can you offer support for a child, be it for a day, a weekend, a week, a month, or beyond?

Respite foster care

is regular periodic care. Children are looked after for short periods of time to provide birth parents or foster carers with a break, for example over school holidays or weekends.

Emergency or crisis foster care

is required when there is immediate concern for a child’s safety. The duration can be from one night to a few weeks, or until another foster care arrangement is available.

Short-term foster care

is required when there is a possibility that the situation that caused a child to be removed from their birth family may be resolved and they will be able to return (called restoration) or until another carer is found who is committed to providing long term care for the child.

Long-term foster care

refers to caring for a child who is not expected to return to their birth family, and who will therefore need long-term care and be part of your family.

Can I be a foster carer?

Anyone can apply to become a foster carer so long as they are:

Over 21 years of age
An Australian citizen or permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen living in Australia
In good physical and emotional health

You can be:

Single, married or in a de facto relationship (including same-sex couples)
In a rental property or in your own home
Working or not employed

The process of becoming a foster carer

1. Get in touch

Take our quiz or reach out

2. Chat

Meet with us for a friendly preliminary chat over the phone.

3. Training

Take part in our flexible training.

4. Paperwork

We will help you with paperwork and checks.

5. Interviews

We meet at your home to talk about your journey.

6. Approval and placement

You’re ready to be a foster carer!

Interested in becoming a foster carer?

Check your eligibility with this short quiz!

We will support you every step of the way

As an SSI foster carer, you’re never alone on your path to making a difference in a child’s life. Our support is tailored to meet the unique needs of carers and children, empowering you with the resources and support required for a care placement to thrive.

Streamlined onboarding and training

We streamline the paperwork and onboarding process as much as possible and provide comprehensive training with online and flexible training options.

Ongoing support

Our dedicated case workers keep in touch with regular phone calls and monthly check-ins. And, should unexpected crises arise, our 24-hour on-call phone support is just a call away.

Access to financial support

Foster carers receive a carer allowance to help meet the cost of caring for a child.

In-language and culturally appropriate support

We provide support in English and other languages. Our bilingual caseworkers offer personalised care and connect you to cultural support groups for your specific needs.

The carer community

Joining the SSI foster care community means connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion. Through our carer community events, you’ll be part of a support network that enriches your experience as a foster carer.