Foster care Australia plays a vital role in protecting children who cannot live safely with their families. Across Australia, thousands of children are placed in out-of-home care every year due to abuse, neglect, or family breakdown. Understanding the scale of foster care helps highlight the importance of carers and the need for ongoing support and reform.
National Overview For Foster Care Australia
As of 30 June 2024, there were approximately 44,900 children in out-of-home care across Australia.
This includes foster care, kinship care, residential care, and other supported placements.
[aihw.gov.au]
Out-of-home care is provided when a child is placed away from their family due to safety concerns.
Foster care is the most common form, where approved carers provide a safe and nurturing home.
Queensland Snapshot for Foster Care Australia
In Queensland, the child protection system continues to support thousands of children each year.
While exact foster care numbers are not broken out separately in all reports, the Queensland Family and Child Commission monitors performance indicators and trends across care types.
Key highlights from the 2024–25 reporting period include:
- A continued focus on reducing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in care
- Ongoing reforms to improve outcomes for children in foster and kinship care
- Emphasis on culturally safe and trauma-informed care models
[qfcc.qld.gov.au]
Trends and Challenges in Foster Care Australia
Between 2019–20 and 2023–24, the number of children admitted to care and protection orders decreased from 13,100 to 10,100 annually. However, the overall number of children in out-of-home care has remained relatively stable, indicating longer stays and complex needs.
[aihw.gov.au]
Children in care often face challenges such as:
- Disrupted education
- Emotional and behavioural difficulties
- Loss of cultural and family connections
This highlights the need for well-supported foster carers and trauma-informed care environments.
Why This Matters
Every child deserves a safe, stable, and loving home. With nearly 45,000 children in out-of-home care, Australia relies on foster carers to provide healing, hope, and connection. The demand for carers—especially those from diverse backgrounds—is ongoing.
Footnotes
[1] Child Protection Australia 2023–24 – AIHW
https://www.aihw.gov.au/
[2] Performance of the Queensland Child Protection System 2024–25 – QFCC
https://www.qfcc.qld.go
