Foster care to adoption
Open adoption can offer long-term stability and permanency for children when returning home is not an option. Through open adoption, children become a legal member of the adoptive family, but this is only an option in some states and territories.
Ready to become a foster carer?
Book in for a short conversation with our friendly team about the process of becoming a foster carer. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you might have about foster care in your local area and how it might work for you and your family.
Why do children need this type of care?
Open adoption is encouraged for children who are unable to return to the care of their parents or live with other kin, because it offers security and stability in a family environment. Through open adoption, carers make a lifelong emotional and practical commitment to a child that is formalised through a court order. While carers become the legal parents through adoption they must be able to support birth family and sibling relationships to build a sense of identity and belonging in the child.
Open adoption is considered when it is in the best interest of the child or children. Life Without Barriers offers support to carers applying to adopt a child in their care. Just like Ted and Dave in NSW did, you can read their adoption story here.
Image: Ted and Dave stand with their teenage daughter.
Duration of care
Adoption is permanent care until the child reaches adulthood and beyond.
Where are carers needed?
In Australia, foster care adoptions are generally open adoptions, meaning the child maintains contact with their biological family, and adoptive parents are legally obligated to support this connection.
Each jurisdiction in Australia has its own laws and regulations regarding adoption, including foster care adoption.
You can find state specific care information via the links below.
What support do carers receive?
Our foster carers moving towards adoption are never alone in their caring journey. It can be difficult to comprehend the experiences children bring with them, so it is important that carers feel supported and confident in their role.
Training
We provide carers with a range of learning opportunities suited to their level of experience and the needs of children in their care.
24/7 Carer Support
Our carers have access to support at any time of the day or night for advice, support and direction in stressful situations.
Financial support
Carers receive a tax-free allowance to support the needs of children placed in their care.
Specialist support
Our specialist staff work with children and alongside carers where additional support is needed.
Respite
For a night or a weekend, children in care may spend time with a respite carer, an opportunity to strengthen social and family networks while their carer takes a short break. This type of care is only offered when it is in children's interests.
Carer networking
Talking to other carers is sometimes the best form of support. Through regular carer events we create opportunities for carers to share their concerns, celebrate successes and provide feedback to the Life Without Barriers team.
Are you ready to become a foster carer?
Speak to one of our dedicated team about starting your journey to becoming a foster carer today.
Other types of similar care
With just under 50,000 children unable to live safely at home in Australia we are always looking for foster carers to help these children feel protected, supported and safe.