Who can be a foster or kinship carer
Foster carers and their families are everyday people who volunteer their time and homes to assist in supporting vulnerable children.
You must be:
- 18 years and above.
- An Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Eligible to hold a blue card (Working with Children check).
You can be:
- Single, married, de facto or in a same-sex relationship.
- Renting, buying or own your home.
- From any culture or with a diverse range of life experiences.
- A parent, or someone who has a strong interest in helping children and young people.
We are not too worried about your age, as long as you have the health, energy, and enthusiasm to foster.
Read stories about people just like you have become foster carers on our foster carer stories page.
Steps to becoming a foster parent or kinship carer
If you’ve ever wondered “How can I become a foster parent?”, watch our video and read the steps below. It can take up to six months to become a foster parent, so why not take the first step today?
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Step 1: Contact UnitingCare
To become a foster carer in Queensland, contact UnitingCare and let us know that you are interested in finding out more about fostering by emailing fostercare.recruitment@uccommunity.org.au or filling out the form below.
The process to become an approved foster carer usually takes around three to six months. This varies depending on your individual circumstances and the type of care you are able to provide.
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Step 2: Information session
Depending on where you live, we will arrange a time with you to visit you at home or arrange an invitation to a group information session in your area to discuss how to be a foster carer. The session will give you more information about fostering and answer any questions you and your family may have.
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Step 3: Home visit
A household safety study report will be completed; it includes mandatory safety requirements in your home that must be met prior to approval as a carer.
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Step 4: Getting Ready to Start training
Getting Ready to Start training provides you with a better understanding of the foster carer role and will equip you with some of the skills you will need to provide quality care.
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Step 5: Complete application / background check
By filling out the Application for Approval (APA) form you are agreeing to move ahead with the process to be a foster carer. This form provides important information to help with personal history checks for you and your adult household members. This includes consideration of criminal and child protection history, and where necessary, domestic violence and traffic history.
An application for a Blue Card must also be completed by applicants and all other adult members of the household.
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Step 6: Assessment interviews and report
The assessment interviews will take place in your home and will be conducted over several sessions. Children and other adults residing in your home will also be interviewed. We need to find out:
- Your motivation to foster.
- What your parenting style is.
- Your childhood and family history.
- Your coping and support mechanisms.
- The age and needs of the children that would suit your family and experience.
- Your ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
- Your ability to keep children safe from harm.
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Step 7: You are now a foster carer
If your assessment is approved through the panel process, you will receive a certificate of approval and become a foster carer in Queensland!
Find Foster and Kinship Care opportunities near you
Enquire now
If you have any questions, require further information, or would like to discuss how you can become a life-changer, call us on 1300 554 240. Or fill out the form below and one of our team members will be in touch with you.