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There are many ways to foster, depending on what you can offer.
Becoming a foster carer starts with learning what fostering involves and whether it feels right for you and your family.
The Process
The process to become a carer with the Department of Communities is set out below:
The first step is attending an information session which can be done virtually, by viewing this pre-recorded information session. If you live in a regional or rural area, your local Department of Communities or Fostering Service can provide information and guidance.
After the session, you’ll be able to take some time to reflect and decide whether you’d like to take the next step. There is no pressure to proceed.
If you choose to continue, you’ll be asked to complete an Enquiry form and some information sheets. This helps the Department of Communities understand your family, home, and circumstances so they can consider placements that are the best fit for both you and the child.
With your permission, some standard screening checks will be completed, and an assessor will visit your home a few times to get to know you and ensure a safe and supportive environment for children.
Before becoming a registered foster carer, you’ll also take part in mandatory preparation training, designed to help you feel informed, confident, and supported in your role.
All information shared throughout the process is treated as confidential.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO's) and Community Service Organisations (CSO's) are service providers that are contracted by the Department of Communities to provide supported placements to Children in Care, in partnership with Departmental staff, such as Case Workers, Aboriginal Practice Leaders, Education Officers and Team Leaders.
If you wish to enquire to become a foster carer with a Community Service Organisation (CSO) or Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO), you will need to make contact with the service directly.
Some providers are listed but not limited to:
Kinship Connections
Kinship Connections supports Aboriginal children, young people and families by facilitating healing through cultural connection, community belonging and kinship programs.Parkerville
Parkerville Children and Youth Care provides foster care services in Western Australia, helping children find safe and loving homes through their Our Way Home program.Wungening Aboriginal Corporation
Wungening Aboriginal Corporation delivers culturally safe foster care services in WA, providing holistic support for Aboriginal children, carers and families.Australian Childhood Foundation
The Australian Childhood Foundation provides therapeutic foster care programs, offering specialist trauma-informed support for children and their foster carers.Lifestyle Solutions
Lifestyle Solutions provides services to people with disability, young people and children in out-of-home care, their families and communities.My Place
My Place is a registered NDIS provider offering individualised and flexible support services for people with disability and their families in Western Australia.Life Without Barriers
Life Without Barriers is a national organisation providing foster care placements, carer training and 24/7 support to help children heal and thrive in safe, nurturing homes.Centacare Kimberley
Centacare Kimberley provides family support services in the Kimberley region of WA, including foster care and community-based programs for children and families.Safe Places for Children
Safe Places for Children provides therapeutic residential and foster care using an integrative practice framework grounded in attachment, trauma recovery and family connection.Kwaba Bidi South West WA
Kwaba Bidi is an Aboriginal community-driven service in South West WA providing culturally centred foster care, early intervention and post-care support for First Nations children and families.Uniting WA
Uniting WA offers foster care services across Western Australia, recruiting and supporting carers to provide safe, stable environments for children in need.MacKillop Family Services
MacKillop Family Services provides foster and kinship care programs, supporting carers to create safe and stable homes for children and young people in need.Key Assets Australia
Key Assets Australia is a diverse and welcoming fostering agency, so we open our Foster Carer applications to a wide range of people.Yorganop Association Incorporated
Yorganop is an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation in WA that supports Aboriginal children and families through foster care, family reunification and cultural connection programs.Uplyft (formerly Wanslea)
Uplyft (formerly Wanslea) is a WA-based community service organisation that recruits, trains and supports foster carers to provide safe homes for children and young people.Karla Kuliny Aboriginal Corporation
Karla Kuliny is an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation offering therapeutic foster care with culturally centred support for First Nations children in Western Australia.Looking for more Resources?
Helpful information, videos, training guides and trusted links and tools for current and prospective foster carers.