Caring for kids guide
Caring for kids guide is a resource developed by Communities and Justice, to support foster, relative, and kinship carers of children in out-of-home care. The resource provides:
- Essential information: legal and policy details, roles and responsibilities of carers and others involved.
- Support and assistance: training, financial aid, cultural support strategies.
Financial assistance
Foster, relative and kinship carers are volunteers, so you're not paid a wage. The Care Allowance you receive is provided to help you cover the costs of caring for a child or young person. There are other carer payments that may be available to you.
The payments you receive will be shown on your Carer Supports Letter.
When a child or young person first moves into your care
You and your caseworker are a team. Together, you create a safe, caring space where the child or young person in your care can grow, gain confidence, and start to heal.
Clear communication is key. Your insights help your caseworker shape care plans, arrange support, and safeguard the child’s wellbeing—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
- Helping children settle in
- Be prepared!
- What it feels like to go into care
- Navigating loss and change
- Helping children feel welcome
- Personal belongings
- Getting used to a new routine
- Respecting their privacy
- Religion and spirituality
- When a child or teenager goes missing
- After-hours and crisis support
- Self-care tips
Carer toolkit
All foster, relative and kinship carer receive training, support and an allowance to cover the day to day costs of caring.
Training and resources
Enhance your carer skills with comprehensive training courses and resources. From foundational workshops to specialised topics like trauma care.
Caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait children and young people
Understanding cultural heritage, community ties and access to culturally appropriate services.
Caring for children and young people with disability
Learn about their individual needs to support their independence, social connections, and education.
Caring for children and young people from culturally diverse backgrounds
Creating an inclusive environment that reflects their cultural needs and enhances their sense of belonging and wellbeing.
Health, education, wellbeing and understanding trauma
Learn how to navigate essential services including the education and health pathway for kids in OOHC.
Preparing a young person to leave care
By fostering resilience and providing ongoing support, we empower young people to confidently embrace their future and navigate the transition successfully.
Empower yourself: Know your rights
Discover the tools and information you need to advocate for yourself and your foster child.
- Participating in decision making and case management
- Resolving concerns & understanding your rights about complaints
- NSW Carers code of conduct for authorised foster, relative and kinship carers (PDF 146.18KB)
- Carer reviews and authorisation decisions
- Legal rights and responsibilities
Foster and Kin Connect newsletter
A newsletter for all registered and future foster, kinship and relative carers across NSW.
Learn from the experience of other carers and childcare experts, stay informed on any updates in the out-of-home care sector, and hear about the latest training and supports available to carers.
Related resources
Find out more information on: