Before you become a foster carer
Foster care provides safe, family-based care for children and young people who can’t live at home due to abuse, neglect, or risk of harm.
Before applying to become a foster carer, think about how it will impact your life, lifestyle, family and friends.
Key considerations:
- think about the rewards and challenges
- explore the different types of foster care, and what suits you best
- discuss with your family and support networks:
- current family circumstances
- if you are comfortable allowing Child Safety and other external agencies into your home
- how your family would adjust to having children in the home
- lifestyle changes and reduced privacy that comes with having a child in your home
- if you and your partner have a strong relationship and can work as a team to support each other
- if you live alone, will your family and friends support you
- if you have enough room in your home for a child (or another child)
- how you would feel about a child going back to live with their parents
- consider the impact caring may have on your life.
You can also find answers to the top questions about foster care.