Next steps

There are 4 stages of the application process before you can begin caring for a child. Please allow 3 months from the time you apply.

The approval process is to make sure you are:

• suitable to be a foster carer and that all members of your household are suitable to live with children
• able to meet the standards of care outlined in the Statement of Standards in the Child Protection Act 1999
• able to work towards achieving goals for the safety, care and protection of children and young people.

While it might feel long, the process is in place to help keep children safe.

The stages and steps are shown below.

During the explore, apply and approval stages, you’ll be connected with a foster care recruitment service in your local area. They can answer your questions and support you through the application and assessment process. They’ll also provide mandatory Getting Ready to Start Training.

During the assessment process, you and any other adults in your home, will be supported to apply to become a foster carer. This will include:

• Application for initial approval
• Blue Card application
• Household safety study
• Health and wellbeing questionnaire
• Interview.

Approved foster carers are then connected with a local foster care support service of their choice (if possible).

Steps to become a foster carer in Queensland