Foster carers and foster parents play a vital role in providing safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children and young people in Queensland who cannot live with their families. If you’re considering becoming a foster carer in QLD, here’s what you need to know about the journey of foster caring in Australia.
1. Understand What Foster Care in Queensland Involves
Foster care in Queensland can be short-term, long-term, emergency, respite, or even specialised, such as therapeutic foster care. Carers may support children from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and children with complex needs.
As a carer, you will:
•Work as part of a professional care team with Child Safety, families, and support agencies like DCC
2. Check Foster Care QLD Eligibility
Understanding the foster care QLD eligibility requirements is the first step. You can become a foster carer if you:
•Are committed to meeting the individual needs of children in care
3. Submit an Expression of Interest
To start your journey of becoming a foster parent in QLD, submit an Expression of Interest through the Queensland Foster and Kinship Care website or by calling a helpline like 1300 550 877.
4. Attend Training Modules and Information Sessions
Next, you’ll be invited to attend:
- Information sessions to learn more about foster care
- Comprehensive care training modules covering topics like trauma, child development, and working with families
This essential carer training helps you understand:
- Why children come into care
- The impact of trauma and the principles of therapeutic foster care
- How to meet children’s emotional and physical needs
- Your role as part of a care team and the care support network available to you
5. Undergo Assessment and Checks
You’ll go through a comprehensive assessment process, which includes:
- Interviews with an assessor
- Home safety checks
- Blue Card (Working with Children Check)
- Criminal history checks
- Reference checks
This process ensures you’re well-prepared and supported to care for children safely.
6. Approval and Matching
Once approved, you’ll be matched with children based on your strengths, preferences, and capacity. You’ll receive ongoing support, training, and financial assistance to help meet the child’s needs.
