Becoming a foster carer is a deeply rewarding way to support children and young people who cannot live safely with their families.
But before you take the first step toward becoming a foster parent in QLD, it’s important to understand what foster care in Queensland involves,
what’s expected of you, and how the system works.
1. Foster Care Is About Providing Safety and Stability
Foster carers and foster parents in Queensland provide a safe, nurturing home for children who have experienced trauma, neglect, or family breakdown.
This can be short-term, long-term, emergency, respite care, or specialised therapeutic foster care.
Your role is to support the child’s emotional, physical, and cultural needs while working with Child Safety and other professionals as part of a foster care support network.
2. You Don’t Need to Be a Parent or Own a Home
Understanding foster care QLD eligibility is important: foster carers come from all walks of life.
You can be single, partnered, renting, or retired. What matters most is that you can provide a stable, caring environment
and are willing to work as part of a care team to support a child’s wellbeing.
3. Children in Care Have Complex Needs
Many children in foster care in Queensland have experienced trauma, loss, or disrupted attachments. You’ll need patience, empathy, and resilience.
Foster care training modules are provided to help you understand trauma-informed care, behaviour support, and cultural safety — essential skills for any therapeutic foster parent.
4. You’ll Be Part of a Care Team and Support Network
Foster carers work closely with Child Safety officers, birth families, therapists, and educators as part of a comprehensive fostering support group.
You’ll attend meetings, contribute to case planning, and advocate for the child’s needs. Collaboration and communication are key,
and you’ll have access to a strong foster care support network throughout your journey.
5. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children Need Cultural Connection
If you care for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child, you’ll be supported to maintain their cultural identity and connections.
This is a legal and ethical responsibility under Queensland’s child protection framework and an essential part of quality foster care.
Maintaining connection to culture and country is key to healing, belonging, and identity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
6. You’ll Receive Financial and Emotional Support
Approved foster carers receive a fortnightly allowance to help cover the child’s living costs. You’ll also have access to ongoing carer training, peer support through a fostering support group, and crisis assistance via a foster care helpline.
The system is designed to support you as you support the child emotionally, practically, and financially.
7. The Fostering Assessment Process Is Thorough
Becoming a foster carer in QLD involves a comprehensive foster care assessment process, which ensures safety, readiness, and alignment with each child’s needs.
This process includes:
- Submitting an expression of interest
- Attending information sessions and completing foster care training modules
- Undergoing background checks and home assessments
- Participating in interviews with a foster care assessor
This thorough fostering assessment ensures children are placed in safe, supportive homes and that you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead.
[1] Queensland Government. (1999). Child Protection Act 1999. Queensland Legislation.
https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1999-010
[2] Office of the Public Guardian Queensland. (2025). Information for Parents and Families.
https://www.publicguardian.qld.gov.au/
