Welcome

That's great. South Australia needs more foster carers for children and young people who cannot live with their birth families.

The South Australian government, through the Department for Child Protection, partners with non-government foster care agencies who recruit, assess, train and support foster carers across the state.

No problem. Foster carers are needed across all states and territories in Australia. We suggest that you search "foster care" and the Australian state or territory you're interested in on your favourite search engine (eg: Google).

While most foster parents will be between 25 and 70 years of age, we welcome enquiries from anyone over the age of 18.

We are looking for foster carers who are in good health and able to accept all the responsibilities of caring for children and young people.

Volunteering with the Department for Child Protection is another way to be involved in supporting children and young people. Visit the Department for Child Protection website for more information.

Nice! Most foster parents in South Australia are between 25 and 70 years old. So long as you are healthy enough to cope with the demands of being a foster carer, you could help care for children in need.

Great! Many people over 55 find themselves with more time to help children in need. Most foster carers are under 70 years old, but the main thing is that you are healthy enough to cope with the demands of being a foster carer.

Great! There are many individuals who successfully care for children on both a short and long-term basis.

Great! Couples in stable, committed, long-term relationships can be potential foster carers, whatever their sexual orientation.

Great! Couples in stable, committed long-term relationships, whatever their sexual orientation can be potential foster carers.

Fantastic! If you have space and security to care for children as they grow up, you can be considered as a foster carer. The important thing is that your home is safe and welcoming to children coming into your care.

That's fine! Owning your own home is not a prerequisite to becoming a foster carer. The important thing is that your living arrangements are secure and your home is safe and welcoming to children.

Great! You may suit a range of foster care opportunities.

That's fine, we'd like to talk to you about what type of caring would suit you

That's fine, we'd like to talk to you about what type of caring would suit you

You're able to apply for all types of foster care.

You will need to have Australian permanent residency to be considered for foster care.

It is still worth contacting the Department for Child Protection to discuss your circumstances.

Some serious criminal convictions may prevent you from becoming a foster carer, such as offences against children and some sexual offences. Any adult living with you or regular visitors to the house must also have background checks before a child can be placed in your care.

Fantastic! You can apply for any type of foster care.

Wonderful! If you haven't had children, or they no longer live with you, you can still provide a stable and nurturing environment for children and young people in need. Your foster care agency will provide you with parenting support for children that come into your care.

Great! Your love of children is an important quality we look for in foster carers.

If you are already a parent, your experiences will be a great foundation as you learn more about caring for children who are experiencing grief, trauma and loss. Your foster care agency will discuss which placements will best suit the age of any children living in your household. It is often preferable for your children to be older than any new child coming into your home.

We recommended you begin the formal assessment process when your youngest child is at least one year old.

Contact the Department for Child Protection to learn more about fostering and to discuss the best time to begin the formal assessment process.

No problems, pets can provide children companionship and joy. Your foster care agency will need to be sure that your pets do not pose a risk as part of the household safety check. If risks are identified, there may be strategies to help your household meet the requirements for approval.

Great!