There is no perfect formula for being a foster carer. The most important thing is to have a caring heart and open mind, to understand that children in care are likely to have complex family situations and have faced difficulties in their lives. If you have a desire to change the world – one child at a time – we’d love to work with you.
We have an obligation to screen all people expressing interest in caring. Some of the considerations we take into account when assessing your eligibility are detailed below.
AGE
In most instances applicants need to be at least 25 and under 70 years of age.
RELATIONSHIP STATUS
Both married and defacto couples may apply to become carers, however some foster care types require applicants to have an established relationship history. CatholicCare assesses all types of couples.
Single applicants are also encouraged to apply.
BIRTH CHILDREN
Having children of your own is not a barrier to becoming a foster carer. However, studies indicate that in most instances it is best for any prospective foster child to be the youngest the child in the family with at least a two year age gap.
HEALTH
As part of the assessment process applicants will need to undertake a medical check with their General Practitioner to ensure they are in good physical, emotional and mental health. Whilst most diagnoses do not exclude someone from becoming a carer, in some circumstances CatholicCare may require additional information from a specialist when considering an application.
Whilst smokers can apply to be foster carers it is a requirement for the interior of the house to be smoke free to protect the health of the child.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Whilst CatholicCare does provide financial assistance to help cover the costs associated with fostering, applicants need to be financially stable, sufficient to meet their own needs and commitments.
In most instances applicants are not expected to leave employment when becoming a foster carer.
RESIDENCE
Applicants need to reside in NSW at the time of application to the agency and be either Australian citizens or hold a permanent residency visa.
ACCOMMODATION
Both homeowners as well as renters can apply to become foster carers. What is most important is a safe environment free of hazards and a private bedroom for any potential child entering your family.
CHARACTER & REFERENCES
All applicants need to be of good character, as well as any other adults in your household, and are required to undertake a Working with Children Check and a National Police History Check. Applicants will also need to provide CatholicCare with two contactable referees during the assessment process.
CatholicCare are unable to consider applicants who have a record of serious crime especially involving violence, sexual assault or any crimes against a child or young person.
Successful applicants will also be registered on the Carer Register managed by the Office of the Children’s Guardian.
INVOLVEMENT WITH CATHOLICCARE
A collaborative partnership between applicants and CatholicCare is the key to fostering success. A CatholicCare Case Manager will support your family and foster child through regular communication as well as through regular home visits. Case Managers also spend one on one time with the children they work with. CatholicCare Case Managers work with carers to organise supports and services for the children they work with.
If you have any further questions about fostering a child or young person, our team is here to help.
For more information:
P: (02) 9481 2600
E: info@catholiccaredbb.org.au
check your eligibility today
Tragically, there are many children and young people in our community who are unable to live with their families through no fault of their own.
CatholicCare is seeking families to provide essential support, care and stability for children and young people affected by family breakdown, to enable them to recover and thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is foster care and what do foster carers do?
Why do children end up in foster care?
What are the different types of foster care?
Can I adopt a foster child?
How old are the children requiring foster care?
Are children and young people in foster care badly behaved?
Will I get paid to be a foster carer?
Do I have to pay for the child’s expenses myself?
What training is required?
Can I have my own children in the house, and still foster?
Is it true I need to have a spare bedroom for the child or young person? Can they share a room with my other children?
What disqualifies you from being a foster carer in Australia?
How long does it take to be a foster carer?
What will the assessment interviews cover?
I am already a foster carer with another service. Can I become a carer with CatholicCare?
Do children in foster care have contact with their birth family?
Latest Foster Care NEWS
The long road to adoption
David is a young person in our foster care program. Three years ago, with the support of CatholicCare, David’s foster family made the decision to move toward adoption to ensure David would always be part of their family.
Read MoreAlice dreams of becoming a doctor
Moving 1½ hours away when you’re 16 years old is hard at the best of times. But for Alice and her sisters who live with CatholicCare foster carers, Julie and John, their move coincided with the beginning of a lengthy lockdown.
Read MoreIn the news – the urgent need for foster carers
Up to 30 kids need emergency accommodation each night on the Northern Beaches, but many are forced to sleep in motel rooms due to a desperate shortage of foster carers. As many as 30 children — some aged just five — need emergency accommodation each night on the Northern Beaches.
Read MoreOlivia thrives in her foster care placement
Olivia was three years old when she came into our care. She was severely developmentally delayed, couldn’t walk and screamed all through the night.
Read More