Long-term foster care
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.
Why do children need this type of care?
There are all sorts of reasons why children need long-term care. They usually come from complicated family situations and many have suffered neglect, trauma or abuse. Long term care for these children is needed when the Court rules it is not safe for them to return home to their birth parents for the immediate future. 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
6 months to many years.
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 Life Without Barriers team.
Are there any other types of long-term 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.