WA Foster and Family Carers Week

WA Foster and Family Cares Week is an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness about foster care and thank foster and family carers for the enormous contribution they make in the lives of children in their care, and wider community.

The week also provides an important opportunity to highlight the ongoing need for more foster carers across Western Australia.

The dates for the week can vary each year in WA and are established by the Department of Communities and the Foster Care Association of WA.

2026 celebrations

The 2026 WA Foster and Family Carers Week will be celebrated during 6 to 12 April.

Department of Communities offices across WA will mark the week with local celebrations and activities to recognise and show appreciation to local carers in their area.

Resources will be available to download soon.

Support for foster and family carers

The Department of Communities is committed to supporting current foster and family carers through their whole journey, every step of the way.

For more information about supports and training, refer to the information for current foster and family carers page.

About foster and family care

Foster and family carers provide safety, stability, and day-to-day parenting for children and young people who are in out-of-home care.

Foster and family 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.

Where possible the priority is for children and young people to be placed in a care arrangement with a family member, such as a grandparent, aunt or uncle or another person significant in their lives. Family care keeps children and young people connected to their family and community, as well as cultural connection.

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 more information about becoming a foster carer, visit the Foster Care website.