Different types of foster care

EMERGENCY CARE

When a child comes into care, little is known about the exact circumstances, but one thing is certain and that is the child is not safe to remain where they are. Emergency carers provide immediate crisis care ranging from a single night to a few weeks. The duration of the placement depends on whether the risk at home can be removed or, until the child is placed with an alternative short-term or family carer if the safety concern cannot be resolved.

SHORT-TERM CARE

Short-term care can be as little as a few weeks or up to 24 months while a child’s matter is before the courts to determine whether or not a child can go back home safely, or an alternative family can be found. Carers will need to be able to support a child to transition either into a longer term placement or back to their birth family if this plan is decided by court. Short-term carers will also be required to assist with the transport and supervision during contact visits and support children in their care with managing their emotional responses to these visits.

LONG-TERM CARE

Long-term carers will care for a child until the young person reaches 18 years of age or is ready to move into independent living. CatholicCare expects that long-term carers commit to achieving this goal for the child in their care, with ongoing financial, emotional and practical support provided.

RESPITE CARE

A respite carer is an individual or family who for one weekend per month or more often cares for a child in our program. Respite care provides a child’s full-time foster family with a break, and a chance to recharge. It also provides the child with the opportunity to learn more about living with safe, caring adults.

If you have any further questions about fostering a child or young person, our team is here to help.

CatholicCare Foster Care
P: (02) 9481 2600
E: info@catholiccaredbb.org.au