Foster carers are the backbone of Australia’s child protection system, providing safe and nurturing homes for children who cannot live with their families. But in recent years, the number of available foster carers has declined—raising concerns about the system’s ability to meet growing demand.
What’s Happening?
Across Australia, agencies are reporting a shortage of foster carers, especially for children with complex needs, teenagers, and sibling groups. The decline is due to several factors:
- Burnout and stress among existing carers
- Increased complexity of children’s needs
- Financial pressures and cost-of-living challenges
- Lengthy and demanding approval processes
- Limited ongoing support once carers are approved
This shortage means children may be placed in emergency care, residential facilities, or moved between multiple homes—disrupting their stability and wellbeing.
Why It Matters
When there aren’t enough foster carers:
- Children may wait longer for placement
- Siblings may be separated
- Cultural and community matches may be missed
- Carers may feel overwhelmed and unsupported
Stable placements are essential for children’s emotional development, education, and long-term outcomes.
What’s Being Done in Queensland
The Queensland Government has acknowledged the issue and is implementing reforms to recruit, support, and retain carers. These include:
A new Family Based Care Services Investment Specification, which introduces flexible funding models to better support carer households
Six new service types, including:
- Foster Care Recruitment
- Supporting Foster Care
- Connecting Kin (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children)
- Equipping Kin and Supporting Kinship Carers
A $27 million commitment to pilot professional foster care models
These changes aim to make foster care more sustainable and responsive to the needs of both children and carers.
How You Can Help
If you’re considering becoming a foster carer:
- Learn about the different types of care (short-term, long-term, emergency, respite)
- Attend an information session
- Connect with local agencies or visit Queensland’s foster care portal
Even if you’re not ready to become a carer, you can support foster families through volunteering, advocacy, or simply raising awareness.
Footnotes
Transition of Family Based Care – Queensland Government [families.qld.gov.au]
Information for Existing Foster and Kinship Carers – QLD [qld.gov.au]