Long-term foster care
We all share the responsibility for child safety
Some children in long-term care are not expected to return to live with their family on a full time basis. Foster carers who provide long-term care commit to parenting children toward adulthood and provide them with stability. They experience all the challenges and rewards of guiding a child as they grow and develop.
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?
Children and young people may need long-term foster care when courts determine that they are not able to return to their family home. In the case where relative carers or members of a child’s extended community are not able to provide care for them, long-term foster carers may be called upon to provide the care they need.
There are all sorts of reasons why children and young people need long-term care. They usually come from complicated family situations where they are not able to return to their family home.
This does not mean all children in long-term care will never return home, some may do so even after years in foster care.
Duration of care
Long-term care can be from 1 year to many. Long-term foster carers commit to taking on this type of care for as long as the child and their family need.
In many states across Australia, long-term carers are now supported to continue caring for young people beyond 18 as they transition into adulthood and independence.
Learn more about long-term foster care at Life Without Barriers and whether this is something you could offer, either now or in the future, by reading our handy fact sheet linked below.
Long-term foster care info sheet.
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?
Life Without Barriers 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.
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 foster 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.