Kinship care
We put children first.
Living with a relative or close family friend can help protect the important connections a child has to their family, culture and community. It can also help children avoid the added trauma of living in an unfamiliar environment.
Ready to become a kinship carer?
Book in for a short conversation with our friendly team about the process of becoming a kinship carer.
This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the kinship care and how it might work for you and your family!
Why do children need this type of care?
Kinship care allows children to maintain connections with their family, culture, and community, which can be crucial for their wellbeing. Often, extended family or someone who knows the child may be asked to provide care. This is known as kinship care. Kinship carers can include relatives or someone the child already knows, like their grandparents or an uncle or aunt.
Chris and Travis are kinship carers for their niece, you can read about their journey here. Originally, they were looking into becoming foster carers for a child they didn't know, it never occurred to them that they could be caring for a relative in need. Once they decided to open their home to their niece, they haven't looked back.
"Seeing her change and mature has been one of the biggest highlights," Travis said.
Image: Travis and Chris are kinship carers, they are sitting on their lounge together and each holding a cat.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, a kinship carer may be another Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who is a member of their community or mob.
Life Without Barriers is progressively stepping away from providing out-of-home care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children by 2031. You can read more about the Transformation project here.
Duration of care
This can vary depending on the circumstances and may be short or long-term.
Where are carers needed?
Life Without Barriers is looking for foster and kinship carers right across Australia. You can find state specific care information via the links below.
What support do carers receive?
Our kinship 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.
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 kinship carer?
Speak to one of our dedicated team about starting your journey to becoming a kinship 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 carers to help these children feel protected, supported and safe.