Therapeutic Foster Care

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.

• A dedicated therapeutic specialist who is trained to conduct therapeutic assessments, interventions and supports. This support will be delivered by VACCA’s Aboriginal Children’s Healing Team comprised of specialist cultural and therapeutic practitioners. 
• Coaching and mentoring for carers in trauma-informed practice and therapeutic support to carers and children and young people in foster care, to build on skills. 
• Training in specifically chosen cultural and trauma-informed models and strategies to support children in building on their identity and wellbeing. 
• Enhanced day-to-day support through a dedicated case manager with increased capacity to provide individualised support; who coordinates all case work and care teams/working alongside the therapeutic specialist. 
• Additional localised carer support including ongoing development and networking opportunities and connecting with other carers 

As a therapeutic carer, you will be responsible for creating a nurturing, therapeutic environment that caters to the emotional, behavioural, and psychological needs of children with complex backgrounds. You will be supported to understand and addressing the unique challenges that Aboriginal children face to promote their healing journey.  

You will be an active participant within the multidisciplinary care team, including engaging in regular consultation with the case manager and therapeutic specialist. Your role as a carer will be integral in supporting the young person to meet the identified therapeutic planning goals and objectives.  

As part of becoming a foster carer at VACCA, all carers must go through Our Carers for Our Kids training. 

In addition to this training, therapeutic foster carers will also receive 20 hours of additional training in cultural and trauma informed approaches. This enhanced training is an essential component of the Therapeutic Foster Care service and will be offered in a flexible way and supported via coaching and in home support. Carers will learn to understand culture as healing, how to apply trauma-informed care, implement therapeutic strategies, and collaborate with therapeutic specialists and case workers to create comprehensive care plans. 
 
Regular supervision and support from VACCA, including a dedicated therapeutic specialist, will ensure carers can successfully apply these strategies, ultimately enhancing their ability to provide a nurturing and stable environment for the children in their care.  

Ongoing provision of training and supports will be provided to therapeutic foster carers, to ensure carers receive latest information, practice trends and access to support throughout the duration of the placement. 

Carers will have access to a qualified therapeutic specialist who will provide guidance, support, and expertise to ensure the best outcomes for the children. This specialist will work closely with carers to develop and implement effective therapeutic strategies tailored to each child's needs.  

In addition to the invaluable support and training, carers will receive enhanced reimbursements (level three minimum) to recognise their commitment and the specialised care they provide. This financial support is designed to alleviate some of the pressures associated with therapeutic foster care and to ensure carers can focus on delivering the best possible care.  
 
Furthermore, carers will have access to additional funding and specialist training as required, enabling them to address specific challenges that may arise. This could include additional resources, therapeutic equipment, and specialised interventions to support the child's development and well-being.