As we mark Foster and Kinship Care Weeks, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our compassionate and committed carers, for the wonderful work you do.
No heroes needed, just you.
We urgently need foster carers for vulnerable children around Victoria.
Become a Foster Carer
Support vulnerable children and young people.
If you’re able to provide a safe and supportive home for a child or young person in need, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re always looking for new carers to ensure children and young people receive the protection, care and time they need, so they can grow in a safe and supportive environment.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of support will I get?
You will receive around-the-clock support, along with specialised training so you can provide the best possible care to children and young people in need.
Who can be a Foster Carer?
Foster carers come from all walks of life. Some of our foster carers are single, some are married. Some have children, some don't. Sexual orientation, religion and (dis)ability are not factors in becoming a carer.
What skills do I need to be a Foster Carer?
As a foster carer, you'll have a rewarding role, which can be challenging too. You'll need empathy, compassion, flexibility and the ability to work as part of a team.
We need foster carers to offer:
- Emergency/overnight care, which provides accommodation and care for a child or young person in an emergency.
- Weekend respite, looking after children and young people living with a foster care family for occasional or regularly scheduled weekends.
- Short-term care, which ranges from a few days to a few months, depending on the child or young person's needs.
- Long-term care, when the child or young person is not expected to return to their family.
The first step is getting in touch. We can answer all your questions and help you make an informed decision about taking the next step.
How do I become a Foster Carer?
Get in touch
Register your interest and we'll give you a call about becoming a foster carer.
Attend an information session
Learn about becoming a foster carer and receive information to help you make an informed decision.
Complete accreditation
To ensure the safety of children in care, part of the assessment will include Health Checks, National Police Check, Working with Children Check and a Home and Environment Check.
Attend Shared Lives Victoria training
Receive information about fostering children and child safety as well as a range of comprehensive resources to support you throughout your foster care journey.
Take part in home visits and assessments
This involves interviews with you and everyone who lives in your home. A detailed assessment report is submitted to an approval panel for review. Once accredited, we will match you with a child or young person and provide you with ongoing support.
A message from the CEO
Thank you to our foster and kinship carers.
Hear the real story
Helping children to thrive.
Jill, Foster Carer
When a friend suggested becoming a foster carer, Jill jumped at the idea. “I was single, I had a spare bedroom and I was working part-time. I felt like I was in a good position to become a foster carer,” says Jill.
I was single, I had a spare bedroom and I was working part-time. I felt like I was in a good position to become a foster carer
Hear the real story
Providing a home away from home.
Geordie and Matt, Foster Carers
Geordie and Matt have long been a loving aunty and uncle to their nieces and nephews.
We decided not to take on long-term care because we both work full time. We decided respite care would be better suited to us
Hear the real story
Respite carers provide vital break.
Bec, Foster Carer
Respite carers give full-time foster carers or birth families at risk of breakdown a vital break from their responsibilities.
I’ve made the choice not to have children of my own because I enjoy my independence, but I’ve always enjoyed being around children
Hear the real story
A personal connection leads Ben to foster caring.
Ben, Foster Carer
Being a foster carer has a deep personal connection for Ben. “One of the reasons I decided to go down this path is because my mum was in care when she was younger,” say Ben.
One of the reasons I decided to go down this path is because my mum was in care when she was younger
Hear the real story
A loving home for children in need.
Stephanie and David, Foster Carers
Stephanie and David decided to become foster carers while expecting their second child.
I wanted to have a third child and David didn’t, so he said, ‘why don’t we help a child in need and give them a loving home’ and we took it from there
We can support you with
Get in touch
We’re here for you.
If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with our team today.
Call us on
(03) 9192 8100
