To become a foster carer, you will need to be over the age of 18.  You will need to be able to provide a safe and nuturing home environment for a child. 

You do not have to be married or have a partner to apply for foster care.  It does not matter if you have never parented children before; what truly matters is that you have the ability and capacity to provide a safe and supportive home for the child.

Before applying to become a foster carer, it might be a good idea to ask yourself if you are able to provide care for a child in a way that promotes their well-being, ensures that all of their needs are met, and protects them from harm. Some children who enter foster care may have been exposed to trauma, grief, and separation or cannot live safely with their birth family. 

We are actively seeking individuals who are ready to work closely with Plan and Grow, Department of Communities, and the child to provide critical care to Western Australia's vulnerable little people. 

As a foster carer, you will be paid a fortnightly subsidy to help cover the costs of caring for the child. In addition, you will receive extra payments for things like clothing, school expenses, medical needs, and recreational activities. The amount of the subsidy depends on the age and specific needs of the child or young person. It's important to know that this subsidy is not taxable income. It is provided to reimburse you for the expenses you've incurred, rather than being considered as regular income. It helps cover the day-to-day living expenses associated with caring for the child.

If you meet the criteria set by Centrelink, you may also qualify for an additional payment specifically for the foster child.

Reunification with the child's birth family is encouraged however sometimes this can take time and occasionally is not possible. 

Foster care arrangements are provided based on the needs of the family and child as follows:

Emergency or Crisis when a child needs immediate care and is generally for a brief period.

Respite Care offers the child's permanent carer a short break. 

Short Term provides a child with a temporary home during the planning stages for a longer-term placement.

Long Term is when a child requires a home for longer than 6 months.   

Carers have the option to provide any of the above arrangements.  This is to be discussed with the assessor. 

What truly matters is a person's ability to provide care for a child in a way that promotes their well-being, meets all their needs, and keeps them safe from harm.

To become a foster carer, you need to be at least 18 years old. However, your age may play a role in determining which child is placed with you. For instance, it's unlikely for a teenager to be placed with a carer in their early 20s, or for a baby to be placed in permanent care with a retired person.

For older applicants, the assessment takes into account the capacity to care for a child who has experienced trauma, as well as the potential impact on their health. These factors are carefully considered during the assessment process.