How to become a carer
The process for becoming a carer generally takes up to six months and includes an information session, 16 hours of training, and the relevant checks required under the law in order to work with children.
These important steps ensure that foster care is right for you. You can also decide to discontinue the process at any time.
Step 1: Call the Foster Care Hotline or complete an online enquiry form
If you complete an online enquiry form, your details will be provided to your nearest foster care provider.
Step 2: Attend an information session
If you choose to provide us with your details, your local foster care provider will be in touch within a fortnight to let you know when they will be holding their next information session and to provide you with an information pack. Some providers may offer to deliver the information session to you one-on-one in your home at a time that is convenient for you.
At the information session, you will be provided with more information about foster care, the process of becoming a carer and some details about your local foster care provider. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions to determine if becoming a foster carer is right for you.
Dates of some upcoming information sessions are listed on the News & Events section of this website.
Step 3: Complete Shared Stories, Shared Lives foster carer training
If you are still interested in becoming a carer after the information session, your foster care provider will invite you to attend a Shared Stories, Shared Lives training course. The training is designed to develop your skills and understanding of children who have lived within troubled family relationships.
Training is compulsory for all those wishing to become carers. It can be completed over a series of weeks. There is no cost to complete the training.
Dates of some upcoming training courses are listed on the News & Events section of this website.
Step 4: Complete the Step By Step accreditation process
Once you have completed your training, your foster care provider will assist you to complete the accreditation process. Potential carers are required to:
- Complete a police check, Working With Children check and a basic medical check
- Participate in a series of interviews
- Write a detailed life history
Your foster care provider will then develop a report and submit it to an accreditation panel for approval. If successful, you will then be accredited to provide particular types of care and become eligible to accept placements.
How to become a carer of an Aboriginal child or young person
Where possible, Aboriginal foster children are placed within their Aboriginal community to safeguard their cultural identity. When this isn't possible, the child may be placed with a non-Aboriginal family on the assurance that the child's culture, identity and contact with the Aboriginal community are maintained.
Both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people interested in fostering Aboriginal children should contact the Foster Care Hotline or complete an online enquiry form to be referred to the Aboriginal foster care provider in your area. The Hotline is open 24 hours a day and can provide you with general information about foster care, as well as referral to your nearest foster care provider.
Alternatively you can contact the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency Co-operative Limited (VACCA) on (03) 8388 1855 for referral to the Aboriginal foster care provider in your area. VACCA is a statewide Aboriginal community controlled and operated service that promotes, advocates and achieves positive changes in the lives of Aboriginal children, young people, their families and their community premised on human rights, self determination, cultural respect and safey.