Become a foster or family carer

There are a range of reasons children and young people come into out-of-home care, but whatever the reason, what they all need is a stable and nurturing environment to live in.

Foster, family and community carers play a vital role in changing the lives of vulnerable children and young people by providing support, guidance, and love.

Carers can come from all walks of life. They may rent or own a home; be single, partnered or married; have children of their own or none; live in the city, small town or a rural or remote community; and work part time, full time or not at all.

Our carers often tell us that making the decision to help and provide vulnerable children and young people with a loving home has been one of the best decisions they’ve ever made.

It could be one of the best decisions of your life too!

Types of carers

Foster care

Foster care is when a care arrangement is provided by an individual, couple or family that are not known to the child or young person prior to entering care.

For information on becoming a foster carer, you can watch our pre-recorded information session or make an enquiry to have any questions answered.

If you are ready to start your foster care journey, please complete our enquiry form below and someone from our team will contact you to discuss the process.

Enquiry form

If you are a business or organisation and would like to host a foster care information session, please email us at fostering@communities.wa.gov.au.

Family care

Family carers care for children and young people who are known to them as part of their family or kinship system. 

If you are interested in caring for a family member, please contact the Fostering and Family Care team on 1800 182 178 or contact your local Department of Communities district office. 

Community care

Community carers care for children and young people from their own Aboriginal or culturally and linguistically diverse background. This approach recognises the importance of culture, identity and community connection for children and young people who are unable to live with their parents.

Community carers are supported in ways that recognise lived experience and cultural knowledge, helping children maintain a sense of belonging while in care.

If you are interested in becoming a community carer, please contact the Fostering and Family Care team on 1800 182 178.

Care options

Carers may provide long term, short term or emergency care based upon the child or young person’s needs and the carer’s preference and capacity.

• Temporary care - providing care for a short or time limited period (includes pre-adoptive care).
• Long term care - providing care for an extended period.
• Short break care - providing short breaks for other family or foster carers who need a break.
• Emergency care - providing care at short notice.

Other considerations

• If you apply to become a carer, we will assess your maturity, health and lifestyle, and your ability work as part of a care team and to promote the child’s wellbeing in a safe and nurturing home environment.
• Carers must be citizens or permanent residents of Australia and living permanently in Western Australia. New Zealand holders of a Special Category visa - subclass 444 - are eligible to apply to be foster carers.

More information