Becoming a foster carer

There is a real shortage of foster carers in our local community. We are looking for committed people who have available time, love to give, and support to offer a child in need.

We provide quality training, 24/7 support and tax-free financial assistance to our dedicated foster carers.

Are you interested in supporting local families and the community? Are you willing to provide a safe, secure and predictable home environment to care for these children and young people?

There is no perfect formula for being a foster carer. Everyone is different and brings unique experiences to this important role. We welcome applications from people regardless of their gender, culture, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Young or old, with or without children, married or single, foster carers come from all parts of our community.

What matters most to CatholicCare is that you have the enthusiasm and commitment to provide unconditional love and support, a sense of family, and connection to a child who needs it.

While having eligibility criteria is essential, we need carers with the right values and attributes that will be important and beneficial for supporting the young people and children who need it.

CatholicCare essential criteria:

Kindness: Can you open your heart and your home to a child or young person in need?

Compassion: Can you make a difference in the life of a vulnerable child?

Nurture: Can you support a child or young to feel safe and work through their experienced trauma?

Resilience: Can you stay the distance with a child through the really good and also the really challenging times?

Patience: Can you manage your own emotions when things get difficult?

For more information about the requirements of becoming a foster carer, please get in touch with our team through the form below. 

Next steps

To learn more about becoming a foster carer, please get in touch with us on 1300 590 898, or register your interest below. A member of our team will be in contact and send you an information pack.

We’d love you to attend one of our obligation-free information sessions to have all of your questions answered.

Our 2023 information sessions are listed below: 

• Wednesday 22 February, 10am to 12pm, Cardiff
• Wednesday 22 February, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Cardiff
• Wednesday 22 March, 10am to 12pm, Maitland
• Wednesday 22 March, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Maitland
• Wednesday 26 April, 10am to 12pm, Mayfield
• Wednesday 26 April, 5.30pm to 7pm, Mayfield
• Wednesday 24 May, 4pm to 6pm, Taree
• Thursday 22 June, 4pm to 6pm, Muswellbrook
• Wednesday 19 July, 10am to 12pm, Cardiff
• Wednesday 19 July, 5.30pm to 7pm, Cardiff
• Wednesday 23 August, 10am to 12pm, Maitland
• Wednesday 23 August, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Maitland
• Wednesday 20 September, 10am to 12pm, Mayfield
• Wednesday 20 September, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Mayfield
• Wednesday 18 October, 4pm to 6pm, Taree
• Thursday 28 November, 4pm to 6pm, Muswellbrook

Our face-to-face sessions have resumed. However, the team is still running one-on-one zoom information sessions for those unable or uncomfortable to attend in person. Register your interest below.