Foster carers come from all walks of life. You may be single, partnered or married, with or without your own children.
You may even be related to the child who has entered care and are willing to provide a safe and nurturing environment that is familiar to them.
Foster carers can also work full time, part time or not at all.
Types of carers
There are two types of carers:
- Family carers or ‘significant other’ carers - these are family members, or significant people known to children, which is the preferred care arrangement for children.
- Foster carers - people that are not related or known to the child or children.
Foster carer options
Foster carers are able to provide a range of different options:
- Temporary care - providing care for children for a short or time limited period of time.
- Permanent care - providing care for children for their entire childhood.
- Short break care - providing short breaks for other family or foster carers who need a break. This includes:
- emergency care - providing relief at short notice until a suitable home can be found for a child or young person
- respite care - providing relief for a short period, so foster carers can have a break when needed.
Other considerations
We are always looking for Aboriginal people from metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote locations across Western Australia who may be interested in becoming foster carers.
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.
Foster 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.
Next steps
There are several steps undertaken as part of the application and approval process to become a foster carer. Training is also provided for all applicants who are screened and assessed as suitable.
If you are ready to start your foster care journey, then please complete our enquiry form below and someone from our team will be in touch with you to discuss the process.
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.
