Becoming a foster carer is a big decision for you and your family. It’s a very important role which is why there are several steps to follow.
It can take up to six months from your initial foster care enquiry to when you are authorised to care for a child or young person. The length of time it takes to become a foster carer depends on several things, but we will support you along the way.
The steps to become a foster carer
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STEP 1: Make an enquiry
Or call us on 1300 770 240. Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.
Or email fosteringwithdcj@dcj.nsw.gov.au
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STEP 2: Your eligibility is confirmed
- The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) foster care team will call you back within two working days following your enquiry.
- You will be provided with an information pack and someone from the foster care team will complete an eligibility screening call with you.
- You will sign the foster care application form and consent form and send this back to the foster care team.
- The foster care team will complete the background checks on you and your co-residents (adults, young people and children regularly living in your home
or residing in a dwelling on your property, e.g. a caravan or granny flat).
* This step can take up to three months to complete.
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STEP 3: Home visit and training
- An initial home visit will occur at your home to confirm your home environment is safe and appropriate (this may be undertaken at the point of assessment in some cases).
- You will be invited to complete Shared Lives Training. Shared Lives Foster Care training is run at a minimum of monthly by the DCJ foster care team. This is run in small groups online via MS Teams and is tailored for new foster care applicants. Each DCJ district also runs training at various times throughout the year via online or face-to-face delivery methods.
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STEP 4: Carer assessment
- A carer assessment is undertaken over several home visits. This will includes speaking with all your co-residents and two of your nominated referees.
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STEP 5: Authorisation
- You will review the carer assessment report and sign the Code of Conduct.
- DCJ will register your authorisation with the Office of the Children's Guardian.
- DCJ will provide you with a letter of authorisation.
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STEP 6: Ongoing carer support
- DCJ will provide you with Welcome Pack and you will receive the Minister's Welcome Letter.
- A carer review will take place within 60 days of the first placement.
- You will be invited to complete Trauma Training within three months of authorisation.
- You will receive ongoing support as required.