Guardianship foster care
To meet the long-term needs of a child in care, a relative, kinship carer or foster carer may apply to become a guardian through an application to the Children’s Court for a Guardianship order. Guardianship carers offers children stability and permanency while still maintaining ties to their family.
Why do children need this type of care?
Guardianship orders are made in the Children’s Court when there is no realistic possibility of the child returning to the care of their parents. Once the guardianship order is made, the long-term health, education, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs of the child will be met by the guardian without the involvement of an agency such as Life Without Barriers.
Children in care will always have a connection to their family and it is essential that guardian carers help strengthen these connections by arranging and coordinating safe contact between the child and their family, according to the court orders.
Children in care will always have a connection to their family and it is essential that guardian carers help strengthen these connections by arranging and coordinating safe contact between the child and their family, according to the court orders.
Duration of care
Permanent care (until the child reaches adulthood and beyond).
What support do carers receive?
Our foster carers 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.
- TrainingWe provide carers with a range of learning opportunities suited to their level of experience and the needs of children in their care.
- 24/7 on-call supportOur foster carers have access to on-call support at any time of the day or night for advice, support and direction in stressful situations.
- Financial supportFoster carers receive a tax-free allowance to support the needs of children placed in their care.
- Specialist supportOur specialist staff work with children and alongside carers where additional support is needed.
- RespiteFor 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 networkingTalking 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 LWB team.
Are there any other types of similar care?
Yes. And 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.