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Become a Foster Carer

Who can become a foster carer?

We welcome loving foster carers from a variety of family and cultural backgrounds. This includes single people, de facto and married couples, and same-sex couples. Some of our foster carers have never had children, some already have a family.

You don’t need to have a lot of money. It doesn’t matter whether you rent or own your own home, or whether you live in an apartment or house. But you do need to be able to show us that you can provide a secure, stable and loving home. It’s also important that you yourselves are well, healthy and able to deal with the challenges of foster caring. Equally important is that everyone in your home is willing to welcome a child into your family and take part in their care.

Are you ready to become a foster carer?

The following questions will help you decide whether you are ready to take on the challenging and rewarding role of a foster carer.

  • Am I willing to continue learning and developing new skills to help me care for a vulnerable child or young person?
  • Do I have a reliable source of income to meet my existing family’s needs as well as the needs of another child or young person?
  • Am I able to focus on the educational and health needs of all the children in my care?
  • Do I have a spare bedroom in my house?
  • Am I in a position to encourage other interests such as sport, music or dance?
  • Am I willing to help a child or young person develop a sense of identity which includes their culture, family of origin, language and religion?
  • Am I able to commit to working with Challenge Community Services and other agencies to ensure the best outcomes for the child or young person?

There are children that need a carer urgently. Can you be a foster carer for one of these children?

Have you decided you want to be a foster carer? Start the Application form.

Still unsure and want more information? Send us an enquiry or meet one of the team. 

What is the process to becoming a foster carer?

  • 1
    1. Initial enquiry
  • 2
    2. Start your application
  • 3
    3. Home visit
  • 4
    4. Participate in training
  • 5
    5. Home interview
  • 6
    6. Approval
  • 7
    7. You are an authorised carer
1. Initial enquiry

Find out what’s involved in fostering and what qualities we are looking for in foster parents.  

Enquire Now 

or

Start Your Application Now 

2. Start your application

Begin the process of helping a child in need. Complete the application form to start your journey.

We will give you a call as soon as we receive your competed form and will be there every step of the way.

START THE APPLICATION FORM

3. Home visit

A Challenge Foster Care team member visits your home to answer any questions you may have and give you any remaining forms to sign (such as the Criminal Record Check).

4. Participate in training

To help you prepare for some of the challenges you may face as a foster carer, all adults in your household complete the SMART online training as well as attend a 3 day foster carer training program. 

5. Home interview

A Challenge Community Services Foster Care team member visits your home and interviews each family member (including children). We will ask you about: 

  • Why you and your family are keen to be a foster family
  • What your skills are
  • Your coping and support mechanisms
  • The type of support you will require
  • The age and needs of the children who would suit your family and experiences
  • Your ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children
  • Your ability to keep children safe.

We will also check your home to make sure it is safe and check that your first aid certification is up to date.

6. Approval

If your application is approved, we will contact you when a child or young person needs a safe and stable home. 

If your application was not successful, we will let you know why.

Enquire Now

7. You are an authorised carer

Congratulations! Your decision to be a foster carer will make a big difference to a child’s life. We thank you for your commitment. 

Enquire Now

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About Challenge Community Services

Over 60 years ago we were a small band of parents and friends seeking support services for our children with disability. Today, Challenge has grown to be one of the largest community support services in New South Wales. We provide support to over 2500 people from Albury to Lismore, Sydney, Dubbo, Tamworth and beyond. With over 900 staff, more than 90 of which have a disability, we strive to comply with and exceed all standards required under State and Federal Acts.
In the spirit of Reconciliation, Challenge Community Services acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this country, and their connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to them, their cultures and customs, and to Elders both past and present.
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