Short-term foster care
We all share the responsibility for child safety.
While difficult situations at home are resolved or until plans for longer-term care are made, children need a safe, stable, caring environment where they can strengthen their family relationships, so they can return home safely.
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?
Short-term care is a type of foster care where children are cared for by a foster family for a limited period, ranging from a few days to several months, while decisions are made about their long-term care. Short-term foster care aims to provide children a safe and stable environment during a transitional period, whether they are waiting to return to their family or kinship carers, move to a long-term foster placement, or look at other permanency options.
This type of care is sometimes called reunification or restoration care and it is important that carers work closely with family to support children going safely home.
If you want to learn more about being a short-term carer, either now or in the future, you can download the brochure below.
Short-term foster care info sheet.
Duration of care
The duration of short-term fostering can vary widely, but it is typically for a few weeks to a few months. In some cases, it can last up to two years, depending on the child’s circumstances and the time it takes to make more permanent care arrangements.
Jenna shares her experience of embracing this important yet temporary role, saying, “Your perception of foster care changes when you know this is the role that you are playing in their long life. And once you can accept where your role starts and ends, you know you’ve had an impact.”
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.