👶 Family Support

Open your home, change a child's world

Foster care with Uniting means giving a child a safe, nurturing family environment when they need it most. We support you every step of the way — from training through to ongoing care.

📞 1800 864 846
Types of Foster Care

Different ways to care

Whether you can offer a weekend, a few months, or a permanent family home — there's a foster care role that fits your life.

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Emergency Care

Short-notice placements for children who need immediate safety. Usually 1–7 nights. Ideal for people with flexible schedules who can respond quickly.

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Short-Term Foster Care

Caring for a child for weeks to months while their family situation is assessed or stabilised. You play a critical role in keeping children safe and settled.

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Long-Term Foster Care

Providing a stable, family home for children who are unable to return to their birth family. Often results in lasting family bonds.

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Respite Care

Giving other foster or kinship carers a planned break — overnight stays, weekends, or school holiday support.

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Sibling Groups

Keeping brothers and sisters together during care — one of the most important things we can do to protect children's wellbeing.

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Culturally Specific Care

Caring for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, or culturally diverse children in a culturally safe and connected environment.

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Who can become a foster carer?

There's no single profile for a great foster carer. We welcome people of all backgrounds, family structures, and living situations. What matters most is your commitment to a child's wellbeing.

  • Single people, couples, and families with or without children
  • Renters and homeowners
  • All cultural and religious backgrounds
  • People aged 25 and over
  • LGBTQ+ individuals and couples
  • People with lived experience in care systems

All carers must complete background checks (Working With Children Check, police check) and our training program.

Support for carers

You won't do this alone

We're alongside you at every step — with training, 24/7 support, and a carer community.

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Pre-approval Training

A comprehensive training program covering child development, trauma, attachment, and cultural safety — paid for by us.

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24/7 Support Line

A dedicated carer support line, available around the clock for advice, guidance, and crisis support.

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Financial Support

A fortnightly carer allowance to help cover the costs of caring. Additional support available for children with high needs.

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Carer Community

Connect with other foster carers through regular events, peer support groups, and our online community.

Real stories

What our foster carers say

We weren't sure we'd be 'enough' for a child who'd been through so much. Uniting prepared us well — and the support hasn't stopped since the day we said yes.
JR
Jason & Rebecca
Foster carers since 2021, Western Sydney
I'm a single mum and I worried that would count against me. It didn't. My case worker has been incredible — like having a co-parent in my corner.
MP
Michelle P.
Emergency and short-term carer, Newcastle
Questions & Answers

Common foster care questions

From your initial enquiry to being approved usually takes 3–6 months. This includes training, home assessment, background checks and interviews. We'll keep you informed throughout and the process is fully supported.
Yes. We have an open and honest conversation about what you're best suited for, and we won't place a child with you without your agreement. You can specify age ranges, sibling groups, or other preferences.
We take placement stability very seriously, but we also understand that sometimes a placement isn't the right fit. We work with you to find solutions before a placement breakdown — and if a change is needed, we manage it carefully to minimise distress for everyone.
Many foster carers work full-time. We work with your schedule to match you with children whose needs fit your availability. Flexible and emergency carers often work part-time or casually.

Ready to learn more?

Take the first step — it's just a conversation. Our team will answer your questions with no obligation.

Uniting Support Team

Typically replies under 2 min · Mon–Fri 8am–6pm

Hi there! 👋 I'm here to help. What can I help you with today?