Carers Hub

At Challenge Community Services we acknowledge the work of a foster carer is unique. We believe people who choose to support children and young people in foster care are special individuals who deserve special attention. That’s why we ensure you’re never alone and always supported on this journey. Our team provides extensive support, resources and training to help you and the children in your care thrive.

Foster Carer Handbook

We understand how overwhelming it can be to be a new carer. There is so much information to take in, and it can be hard to remember everything. This is why we have developed our Foster Carer Handbook.

This handbook is your guide to caring with Challenge Community Services.

Covering everything from your role as a carer and the different members of your Care team, to your rights and responsibilities, carer reviews, day-to-day responsibilities and legal matters. This handbook will ensure that you have all of the information you need, right at your fingertips.

Video Library

Our YouTube channel has a wealth of information available, including previous CARE Community of Practice videos, Practice Insight sessions and interviews with other foster carers.

Resource Library

Below you’ll find a collection of resources for every occasion. This library is updated regularly, so check back often!

CARE Blogs

Catch up on our latest blogs, covering all aspects of the CARE Principles.

Small Moments, Big Impact: The Power of Developmental Relationships

Looking Beneath Behaviour: Understanding What Sits Below the Surface

Child Safe Practice: More Than Policy, It’s What We Do Every Day

Understanding Stress and Supporting Regulation

Creating a Secure Base: How Foster Carers Can Provide Stability and Safety

Understanding Behaviour: Why All Behaviour Has Meaning in Foster Care

Building Strong Foundations: The Power of Relationships in Foster Care

It Takes More Than Mum and Dad: Rethinking ‘Family’ in Foster Care

Honouring Families, Honouring Culture: Practising Cultural Humility in Foster Care

The Rhythm of Caring: How Predictable Moments Create Safety and Connection in Foster Care

Why Family Matters in Foster Care (Even When It’s Hard)

Don’t Blame the Lettuce: Rules, Expectations, and the Ecosystem of Relationships in Foster Care

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Back to School Highlight

About Me Profile

Help your child's new teacher get to know them! This comprehensive profile will help your child's teacher learn about their likes and dislikes, goals, and behaviours. You can provide your school with strategies to ensure that your child has a great day, everyday at school.

Primary School Student Checklist

This checklist has been developed to provide you with a guide on what may need to be done prior to the commencement of the new school year. This checklist also ensures you have all school contact details readily available in one place.

High School Student Checklist

Is your young person ready for the new school year?
Encourage them to take charge of their learning! This checklist has been designed for high school kids to independently prepare for the new school year, ensuring they have a great start.

Training opportunities

We’re committed to supporting our foster carers. Using the platform ‘Tribal Habits’, training has been developed in-house, meaning it can be regularly updated and new training can be created and added based on carers’ feedback. We are proud to offer this level of support to our carers.

Other training available

Carers for Kids

Funded by the NSW Government, Carers for Kids (previously My Forever Family) provides in-person and online training across the state, including remote and regional areas. Carers for Kids hosts regular training events, support groups and workshops throughout the year, and their dedicated Carer Support Team is there to give you personalised advice and information via phone or email.

Foster Carer Events

Being able to share your experiences and questions with the people who’ll understand best – other carers – is key to feeling fully supported. Challenge Community Services local offices organise regular catch-ups either in person or online to ensure you’re connected with other carers. These events can also include carer training as well as expert speakers.
We regularly request carer feedback on these events to ensure you’ll have a range of times and dates to choose from, so you won’t miss out.

Can't find what you need?

Our team are available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm to answer your questions. If you have a question or have a request for more resources, give us a call on 1800 084 954 or contact us online.