Who can foster?
Foster carers are ordinary people from all walks of life, backgrounds, ages and experiences. Anyone who is over 20 years of age and can offer a child or young person in need a secure, caring environment is eligible to apply to become a foster carer, including:
- Single people
- Heterosexual and same-sex couples
- Older and retired people
- Young people
- Home owners or renters
- Students, unemployed people or those in full-time, part-time or unpaid work
All prospective carers must be willing to complete the Shared Stories, Shared Lives Victoria training program and undergo an accreditation process which includes a police check and a Working With Children check.
What qualities should a foster carer have?
Foster carers require a strong commitment to children, a good sense of humour, and an ability to be flexible, patient and understanding. Foster carers receive training to develop their skills and to learn more about the circumstances and experiences of the children they will be providing care for. It is important that foster carers understand why children may behave in certain ways and that they can be patient and perceptive when responding to their needs.
Does each foster child require their own room?
In some cases foster children will require their own room, however there are many cases where it may be appropriate for a foster child to share a room either with their siblings or with the child/ren of the foster carer. If you are concerned about having enough space in your home to provide appropriate care for a foster child you should speak to the foster care worker completing your assessment.
Can foster children come with me/us on holiday?
Yes. Within Victoria you will need the consent of the child's caseworker to take the child with you. However, many children in foster care are still under the guardianship of their parent/s, so for holidays outside of Victoria you will require the consent of the child's legal guardian to take their child with you. This consent is generally negotiated by the child's case worker.
In circumstances where consent is not forthcoming, your caseworker should be able to arrange respite care for the child while you are away.