How to be a foster carer in Queensland

Becoming a carer in Queensland

If you want to be a foster carer in Queensland, there are some boxes you need to tick.

*What is a Blue Card? Queensland’s Working with Children Check. All children in Queensland have a right to be safe and protected from harm. The blue card system regulates activities which are essential to children’s lives. These include child care, education, sport, cultural activities and foster care. They check and monitor people who work in these industries and help organisations to create safe environments for children.

We will help you apply for a Blue Card if you don’t already hold one.

When deciding if the time is right to embark on your fostering journey, there are some things you might like to consider:

• Spare room

  It is key to consider how your home will suit the needs of a child or young person. Having a spare room will give everyone the ability to have a private and quiet space when needed.

  Age of your own children

  Considering how you will balance the needs of children coming into your care along with the needs of your own children is key to deciding when fostering is right for you and your family. There are no requirements about the age of your children. We will talk with you about your children and the rewards and challenges of being a carer family. We can suggest strategies for managing their feelings about sharing you, their home and their lives.

  Residency

  If you aren’t yet a permanent resident or citizen of Australia, background checks might take a little longer than if you were. We will talk with you about the types of care that might best suit you if you don’t yet have the right to reside in Australia long-term.

  Driver’s licence and vehicle

  Foster carers often need to help children access the important networks within their lives. Whilst a car and licence are not a requirement, considering how you would transport children in your care to their commitments and connections is important.

  If you don’t have a car, we will explore with you how you could meet the appointments and commitments of the children or young people in your care.

• Partnership considerations

  Fostering is a big commitment, and it is important to consider the stability of your relationships and the willingness of all parties. Whilst we don’t require potential carers in Queensland to have been together for a specific period of time, the quality of your relationship and how you work together will be discussed throughout the application process. Both people will be required to undergo checks.

  You also do not need to be in a partnership to be a foster carer at Life Without Barriers. We have many wonderful single foster carers. We also welcome anyone from the LGBTQIA+ community to apply to be a carer!

  Smoking

  We ask foster carers to abstain from smoking inside the home or vehicle when any child under the age of 16 is present, in accordance with current laws in your state.

  Health considerations

  Maintaining and attending to physical and emotional health can assist foster carers to better meet the needs of the children and young people in their care.

  Home safety

  It is important that the environment within and around your home is safe for children and young people. Many safety measures can be implemented now to ensure you are ready to commence your foster care journey. Kidsafe Australia has some great tips and a Home Safety Checklist.

What can I expect as a carer?

Fostering a child in Queensland with Life Without Barriers means you will receive training, help and support from day one of your journey.

• Training

  In Queensland, foster carers are required to complete pre-service training before they commence, and some mandatory training modules during the first two years you are an approved carer. Life Without Barriers offers all carers a range of learning opportunities suited to their interests, their experience and the needs of the children and young people living with them. This includes access to a large range of eLearning options such as child development, understanding trauma and stress, and healthy living.

  There are also group training options and conferences you might like to participate in!

  Support

  Fostering children in Queensland with Life Without Barriers means you are never alone in your journey. It can be difficult to understand some of the experiences children bring with them, so it’s important that you are supported and confident in your role as a carer. You will have access to 24/7 support for advice and direction if a challenging situation arises.

  Our specialist staff work with children and carers where additional support is needed.

  Aside from the support Life Without Barriers will provide, all Queensland Carers can access Queensland Foster and Kinship care for advocacy, information and support. Visit them at Queensland Foster and Kinship Care.

• Financial support

  As a foster carer in Queensland, you will receive a tax-free allowance tailored to the age of the child and the complexity of their needs. Carers are volunteers, so the allowance is not considered income. During the process of becoming a carer, we will talk to you about financial stability. The allowance carers receive is provided to cover the everyday costs of caring for a child, such as:

  • Food

  • Clothing and footwear

  • Daily travel expenses

  • Car safety (baby seats, etc)

  • Gifts for special occasions

  • Educational expenses

  • Hobbies

  Learn more about financial support by visiting the Queensland Government website.

  Carer networking

  Talking with other foster carers in your area is sometimes the best form of support. Through regular events and online communities, we create opportunities for Queensland carers to celebrate successes, chat through difficult moments, and provide feedback to the Life Without Barriers team.

Life Without Barriers is committed to providing safe, supportive and respectful environments for children so that they can thrive and be happy.

If you would like to learn more about how to become a foster carer in Queensland, our team is ready to answer your questions.