You don’t need to have any special skills, talents or expertise to become a foster carer.
Enquire about becoming a carer today!
We are looking for people and families from all walks of life who could care for children and young people in their own homes. Foster carers help children when their family is unable to care for them. We urgently need carers who can provide support to siblings, single children of all ages and adolescents with complex needs. There are different types of care that you can choose from, meaning you are able to navigate caring for children that is suitable for your lifestyle and which best matches the child’s need. Types of care includes:
- Respite care (one to two weekends a month)
- Emergency care (immediate placement)
- Short-term care (a few weeks to six months)
- Long term care (over six months)
Here at Anchor we are committed to partnering with foster carers, providing initial and ongoing training opportunities and support which includes after hours telephone assistance if and when needed.
Our coverage areas around Melbourne include:
- Inner East
- Outer East
- Southern
To find out more read our FAQ below or submit and obligation enquiry today.
Our FAQ is designed to help answer some of the more common questions around caring.
If you still have questions, you can contact us and we will be in touch.
Foster care involves providing care to children and young people who are unable to live with their own families.
Anyone! We are looking for people and families from all walks of life who could care for children and young people in their own homes. There are a few requirements to be a foster carer which are:
- you must be over 21 years old
- you must have a spare room for a child
- you must pass a National Police Check and
- Working with Children Check.
When you foster a child or young person you’ll get regular foster care payments in the form of a nontaxable allowance. How much you receive is dependent on the type of placement you have, your foster child’s age and how much extra care they need.
You can request or choose the age of the child you want to foster and we’ll work with you to determine who will be the best fit for your family.
Yes. Plenty of carers do not own their own home or are renting. As long as you can offer a room and a safe environment you can foster.
Each child has different needs and requirements. Some may only need an overnight stay and some may need longer. We will discuss with you, your lifestyle and family needs to best match a child in your care. The type and length of foster care include:
- Respite care (one or two weekends a month)
- Emergency care (for children who require an immediate placement)
- Short-term care (a few weeks to six months)
- Long-term care (more than six months)
Becoming a foster carer.
There are four simple steps to become a foster carer:
- Submit application
- Complete training and detailed family assessment (including police/working with children checks)
- Become accredited
- Participate in ongoing training and peer support
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Fostering Connections work with foster care agencies across Victoria, assisting to meet the growing demands for carers.
To find out more about Fostering Connections, contact Anchor’s Foster Care Team on 03 8761 9040 or enquiry@anchor.org.au, or by visiting the Fostering Connections website or calling 1800 013 088.