WHAT IS FOSTER CARE?

Foster care is a planned and time limited alternative living arrangement for children whose parents are unable to care for them at home for a period of time.

Placement with relatives is considered as a first option. Where this is not possible, a foster family unrelated to the child, but especially suited to the child's needs and circumstances, may be selected.

In some circumstances group home care or hostel care for older children may be the most suitable option.

Children are in care for varying lengths of time. The usual plan is for the child to return home. If it is not possible for the children to return home, children are then considered as a longer term placement.

A goal of all placements is for contact and/or knowledge to be maintained between the child and his/her family. If on-going contact is not possible, children still need knowledge about their family to maintain their self-esteem, sense of belonging and sense of continuity.

The general foster care program is organised by the Department for Child Protection that places children through its District Offices. Two other foster care programs organised by the Department for Community Development are:

• Pre-adoptive foster care for babies prior to adoption.
• One to One program that provides support on a one to one basis for up to 6 months for 8 to 17 year olds who cannot live at home for various reasons and need people to care for them.

In addition, private agencies in the metropolitan area have their own community/kinship care or residential care programs in liaison with Department for Community Development. There are no Private Agencies in the country area.

Why are Children in Care?
The Foster Care Team
Training
Fostering is a Team Effort
Types of Foster Care
Can You Help The Foster Care Association?
Frequently Asked Questions