Foster carers are never alone in their caring journey.
If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster carer, you may be wondering what support foster carers receive.
All carers receive training and support to fulfil their role and meet the needs of children of children in care.
“It’s important that carers feel supported, equipped and encouraged in their critical role of caring for children,” says Vanessa Thambyah - Deputy Manager, Family Partnerships at The Benevolent Society.
Support includes:
- Regular home visits and meetings with a case manager: All foster carers have a case manager available to them to provide advice and practical support.
- Financial support: Foster carers receive a fortnightly allowance to reimburse some of the day to day costs incurred when caring for a child or young person. The allowance is based on the age and needs of the child and is tax-free. The payments do not affect your eligibility for any other government allowances that you are entitled to. If a child is assessed as having extra needs, then the amount of the carer allowance increases accordingly. There are also provisions for extra financial assistance to be made available should it be required by the child or young person.
- 24/7 on-call support: Our foster carers have access to on-call support at any time of the day or night for advice, support, and direction in dealing with any behavioural, physical and emotional difficulties the child may be experiencing.
- Training: All foster carers will also have access to specialised support, services and training offered by My Forever Family NSW.
- Specialist support: For children and carers who need additional support, your case manager can refer you to professionals such as psychologists, paediatricians, and other allied health professionals.
- Free and confidential counselling for you and your family: Carers and their immediate family have access to confidential counselling with qualified and experienced clinicians who can help you manage any challenging or stressful situations you may encounter as part of your role. You can also utilise this service to support you with any personal, family or work issues are impacting on your wellbeing. You can access counselling over the phone or face to face.
“Fostering is incredibly rewarding for both carers and the children they support,” Vanessa adds. “We’re with you during the entire way to provide you with advice and support. The first step is to contact us. We can support you through the process and assist with any questions you may have.”
The Benevolent Society’s Fostering Young Lives program provides foster care placements across Sydney for children and young people from birth to 18 years of age.
We welcome foster carers from all walks of life that meet the minimum criteria:
- Aged over 25.
- Have a spare bedroom.
- Live in Sydney.
- Be in good general health.
- Be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident.
- Willing to undergo a background check.
“The most important quality foster carers need is the ability to open their home and heart to a child in need and provide them with a safe, nurturing environment in which they can grow and thrive,” Vanessa says.
To register your interest in becoming a foster carer, call The Benevolent Society’s Support Centre on 1800 236 762 or click here for more information.