What is involved in becoming a foster carer?
The process for becoming a foster carer generally takes up to six months, and includes around 16 hours of mandatory training, an assessment process conducted by interviews with foster care workers, and completing the relevant checks required by law in order to work with children in the state of Victoria.
Reading this information is the first step in the process. The other steps are as follows:
Attend an information session
If you wish to attend an information session please contact us on the Foster Care Hotline - 1800 013 088. We will provide you with details of an information session in your local area or have a local foster care provider contact you to provide these details. Some providers may be able to deliver the information session with you one-on-one in your home at a time that is convenient for you.
Attending an information session will provide you with the opportunity to ask questions to determine whether becoming a foster carer is right for you.
Dates of some upcoming information sessions can often be found in the News & Events section of www.fosterabrighterfuture.com.au , although this list is by no means comprehensive.
Complete the Shared Stories, Shared Lives Victoria training
Once you have gathered some initial information by attending an information session you may decide you would like to complete the Shared Stories, Shared Lives Victoria training course. This training is designed to develop your understanding of the foster care system and your skills in working with children who have experienced trauma and troubled relationships with their family members.
Training is compulsory for anyone wishing to become a foster carer in Victoria. This includes both members of a couple who are applying to provide foster care. Foster care providers try to offer training in a flexible manner so that you can fit it in around your other commitments. Shared Stories, Shared Lives Victoria courses are provided free of charge by foster care providers.
Training is provided in suburbs of Melbourne and regional centres right across Victoria. Details of some upcoming training sessions can often be found in the News & Events section of www.fosterabrighterfuture.com.au , although this list is by no means comprehensive. Your local foster care provider is the best source of information about upcoming training opportunities.
Complete the Step By Step Victoria accreditation process
Once you have completed the Shared Stories, Shared Lives Victoria training, your foster care provider will assist you to complete the accreditation process. Foster care applicants are required to:
- Complete a police records check, Working With Children Check and a basic health check
- Participate in a series of interviews with a foster care worker or workers
- Provide details of their personal history in either a written or verbal format
The foster care worker/s assisting you with your accreditation will complete a report to be submitted to an accreditation panel for approval. You will have the right to read and comment on the report prior to it being submitted. If successful, you will then be accredited to provide particular types of care and become eligible to accept foster care placements.