Foster care is a way of providing a home for children who cannot live with their birth families. It is often used to provide temporary care when parents are going through a difficult period in their lives, and where it is in their best interest children and young people are reunited with their families as soon as possible.
Foster care is not a one size fits all approach and our diverse pool of foster carers reflects the diversity within the community. We are seeking carers who are open to a journey that is both rewarding and challenging; carers who believe they can make a positive difference in a child's life.
If this is you, please submit a foster care enquiry to our team.
Foster Care at VACCA
At VACCA, we aim to have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children placed in the care of their extended family or with members of their community. Where it is in their best interest, children and young people are reunited with their families as soon as possible.
Foster care at VACCA is about:
- Ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people have a positive and nurturing family life experience that will support their cultural, social and emotional development.
- Providing a culturally safe home for children who cannot live with their birth families.
- Maintaining the child or young persons’ connections with their families and communities.
- Recognising and maintaining the child or young persons' Aboriginal identity and place in the community.
To help our foster carers provide the best care possible, we provide:
- Extensive training
- 24-hour caseworker support
- Fortnightly allowance to cover expenses for children and young people they care for
FAQ's about Foster Care
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When it comes to foster care it is not a one size fits all approach. We encourage people from different backgrounds, experiences and family types to consider becoming a foster carer. Our foster carers are:
- Single, married, de facto, or in a same-sex relationship
- Renting or own their own home
- Working full time, part time or stay at home
- From a diverse range of cultures, with a diverse range of life experiences
- Dedicated to supporting children’s connection with their family, community and culture
- Committed to meeting the needs of the children and young people they care for
- Committed to attending ongoing therapeutic, cultural awareness and other training
To be a foster carer with VACCA, you must:
- Be aged 21 years or over
- Have good physical and emotional health
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We have different types of foster care where you can provide care for weekends, weeks, months and sometimes, years. These include emergency care, respite care, short term care and long term care.
Emergency care
Emergency care provides a secure, safe setting for a child, young person or sibling group soon after being removed due to care and protection concerns. Referrals are received 24 hours a day and placements may be made after hours.
Respite care
Respite care provides regular and ongoing support to a child or young person in a current foster care placement through weekend and brief stays, usually once a month. It may also be required when community members need additional support or medical assistance.
Short term care
Short term placements are for children and young people who are in the process to be returned to the care of their family or waiting for a Children’s Court decision.
Long term care
Long term placements are for children and young people placed in care under a final order until they are 18 years of age.