Advocacy - Support - Training - Resources
This is your go-to place for everything you need as an authorised foster, relative, kinship carer, guardian, or adoptive parent from out-of-home care. Here you’ll find information about the supports and advocacy available to you, as well as training and practical resources to help you in your caring journey. Our goal is to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to help the children and young people in your care thrive and reach their full potential.
Advocacy
Sometimes you need someone in your corner to make sure your voice is heard. That’s what advocacy is all about — helping you get the support you need and ensuring you’re treated with dignity and respect.
If you’d like someone to stand alongside you or speak up on your behalf, you can contact:
Carers for Kids NSW
or
AbSec for Aboriginal carers or carers looking after Aboriginal kids
Both these organisations advocate for carers and can offer support to you for a range of issues.
You can also ask your caseworker for advice about how to get the best help for your circumstances.
Support
Caring for a child or young person can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging at times. Everyone needs support — guidance, advice, or simply someone to listen. Accessing the right help can make a big difference for you and the children in your care.
Below, you’ll find a range of services and resources designed to support carers, answer your questions, and connect you with people who understand what you’re experiencing.
Provides advocacy for carers and offers support on a range of issues. Their goal is to see that all children and young people in out-of-home care receive the care they deserve, and all carers receive the support and training they need. The NSW Government funds carer services provided by Carers for Kids NSW.
The NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation, AbSec, offers an Aboriginal Carer Support Service is a valuable service that aims to improve the information, support, and training opportunities for carers of Aboriginal children and young people in NSW. The NSW Government funds carer services provided by AbSec.
LINKS delivers trauma focused, evidence-based support to children in out-of-home care. The service seeks to decrease trauma symptoms, increase psychological wellbeing and improve behavioural and emotional functioning. There are four LINKS teams operating in Penrith, Newcastle, Western (Orange hub), and the Illawarra.
Across NSW, there are many foster, kinship and grandparent carer support groups ready to welcome you. These groups offer a chance to connect with other carers, share experiences, swap tips, and build local support networks.
This service provides specialist support from social workers and psychologists to children and young people under 15 years old and their carers. It aims to help children and young people in foster or kinship care stay in a stable home with their carer families for as long as they need to. Specialist support people can work with the child or young person and you and your family in your home.
There is also a version of this service for Aboriginal children and young people and their carers provided by Ngaoara and the Australian Childhood Foundation .
For a child or young person to be eligible, they must:
- be in foster or kinship care
- live in NSW (except Hunter New England or Nepean Blue Mountains)
- be 15 years of age or under
- have experienced at least two separate placement changes in the past six months.
Even if a child or young person you are caring for does not meet the above criteria, you can still contact OurSPACE and speak to a trained counsellor. The counsellor can offer advice and suggest what support you can access in your local area.
OurSPACE flyer (PDF 290.14KB) (PDF 290.14KB)
If you would like to know more about how you can access any of these services, speak to your caseworker or call 1300 381 581 or email intakeourspace@childhood.org.au.
DCJ psychologists offer a range of services for children and young people and their DCJ carers. Services include:
- counselling for children and young people that addresses their past trauma
- therapeutic My Life Story work
- behaviour support
- skills training and support for parents and carers.
Psychologists can treat or support:
- children and young people for grief and loss, anxiety, social skills, trauma and issues surrounding being a child in care
- carers as they care for abused and neglected children and young people, or for issues with attachment or being a foster or kinship carer.
Speak to your DCJ caseworker for a referral to these services.
DCJ psychologists are a free service for DCJ carers.
If you’re working with a non-government organisation, speak with your case manager to see if they have a clinical team or therapist who can support you. If they don’t, your agency will have access to additional carer support packages that your case manager can explore with you.
You can also talk to your family doctor for a referral to a psychologist.
If you care for a child or young person who has experienced significant trauma, you can access therapy based services provided by specialist counsellors or clinical staff. These services can help the child or young person in your care as well as support you as their carer.
Functional Family Therapy through Child Welfare (FFT-CW®)
Functional Family Therapy through Child Welfare FFT-CW® is a therapeutic home-based support service for families (including relative and kin) who are experiencing risk. The service can help improve your wellbeing and the wellbeing of the children you care for.
A proven support service, FFT-CW® uses positive and safe ways to communicate and address problems. By addressing the underlying causes of harm in the family, it can sustain positive changes in safety and family functioning.
The program is available to DCJ relative or kin carers who have been caring for their children for more than 12 months. The service is delivered over six to nine months.
Referrals are made through DCJ and this service is free and voluntary. For more information, speak to your caseworker.
What is respite?
Respite is planned, regular or one-off time limited breaks for parents, carers and children. Respite is provided by an authorised respite carer, this may include adult siblings, family/kin, friends, neighbours, volunteers or professional carers. Respite can occur in the child’s home, another home or a variety of out-of-home settings. It can be for different lengths of time and frequency, depending on need of the parents or carers.
All forms of parenting can be demanding and planned regular respite acknowledges that parents, carers and children have their own needs. Respite can help sustain the parent or carer, so they are able to provide the stability, care, and support that children need.
Emergency placements
Respite is only provided to a child when the child has a permanent placement. Respite does not include:
- emergency placements
- placements resulting from a breakdown in the permanent placement
- placements arising as a result of the investigation of reportable allegations in relation to the child’s carer
- placements arising from an away from placement event or critical event.
Also see NSW Child Safe Standards for Permanent Care in PCMP Resources – List: Frameworks, Standards, Guidelines & Assessment Tools
Planning a respite placement
Any person who provides regular, frequent respite (more than 21 nights cumulative in a year) to a child in OOHC is required to be assessed and authorised as a foster or relative/kin carer (clause 33- external sitelaunch of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Regulations 2012).
When a PSP provider arranges a respite placement for a child, consideration is given to:
- the child’s views and wishes
- the child’s strengths, needs and vulnerabilities
- requirements to ensure the child’s safety, welfare and wellbeing
- the impact of the placement on the child’s stability and sense of belonging
- significant relationships with their family/kin and the carer’s family/kin and friends.
The first preference is to assess and authorise a member of the child’s family/kin, identified through work to find family. Decisions about which member to assess are made with the family, through FGC or Aboriginal family-led decision making.
If it is not practicable or in the child’s best interests to be placed with a relative/kin respite carer:
- the second preference is to assess and authorise another person known to the child, such as a member of the foster carer’s family/kin or a friend
- the next preference is to provide a respite placement using the PSP provider’s existing pool of foster carers.
Also see PCMP Resources – Checklist: Assessment of Respite Carers.
Respite – Aboriginal children
Respite for an Aboriginal child and their parents or family/kin is approached in a manner respectful of culture and in accordance with relevant legislation and principles, including:
- Aboriginal people are to be given the opportunity to participate in the care and protection of their children with as much self-determination as possible (section 11- external sitelaunch).
- Aboriginal families, kinship groups, organisations and communities are to be given the opportunity, to participate in decisions made concerning the placement of Aboriginal children and other significant decisions (section 12- external sitelaunch).
- Respite placement of Aboriginal children is to be with a member of the child’s extended family/kin within the Aboriginal community to which the child belongs (section 13- external sitelaunch).
Respite is provided by an Aboriginal family/kin or an Aboriginal person or ACCO. When respite is not available from these sources, non-Aboriginal respite carers receive cultural awareness training and support, before the respite placement occurs
Respite – children from CALD backgrounds
Respite for a child and their family/kin from a CALD background is approached in a manner respectful of tradition, rituals, faith and customs; and in accordance with relevant legislation and principles.
A child with a CALD background is matched with respite carers of the same cultural background. When this is not possible, respite carers receive cultural awareness training and support, and demonstrate culturally responsive competencies, before the respite placement occurs.
Respite – children with disability
Respite for children with disability in OOHC is provided by the PSP Provider and if the child is a NDIS participant, the NDIS (where the NDIA has determined this to be reasonable and necessary). Respite supports should not be reduced by one agency because it is funded by another. PSP providers provide respite to support the carer or the placement.
NDIS funded respite provides additional support to the carer in recognition that parents and carers of children with disability often need more regular breaks to prevent family stress and maintain wellbeing. Children with disability also often require access to specialist disability respite providers to meet the child’s specific disability support needs.
In the NDIS, respite support is called short-term accommodation. For further information, visit the NDIS website- external sitelaunch.
Respite – siblings
Respite could provide an opportunity for sibling time (if siblings live in separate placements). In some circumstances it may be appropriate to arrange respite for sibling groups to maintain family connections and develop or strengthen sibling relationships. Also see sibling time.
We want to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because they do not speak English or have difficulty speaking or understanding English. The department has an obligation to provide qualified and trained interpreters when conducting interviews, discussing complex matters, or when dealing with sensitive issues.
In most cases, family and friends cannot act as interpreters but can stay during an interview or meeting to provide support. Children should never be used as interpreters.
If you need an interpreter you can ask your caseworker or please ring the free Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450
If you are meeting with DCJ staff, an interpreter can be provided either by phone or on site. A phone interpreter is immediate and can be arranged 24 hours, seven days a week. An onsite interpreter can be arranged for formal interviews and to explain complex information, for meetings with family members, and to provide a sight translation of written documents.
Growing your skills and confidence - carer training
Building your skills and knowledge helps both you and the children in your care to thrive. Learning new approaches strengthens your ability to create a safe, nurturing home and helps you stay up to date with best practice in caring.
Training is a great way to learn about child development, trauma-informed care, and other topics that support you in your role. It can also boost your confidence — when you feel prepared and informed, you’re better equipped to handle challenges and enjoy the rewarding moments of being a carer.
Choose from the options below:
AbSec is the peak organisation advocating for the rights and well-being of Aboriginal children, young people, and families in NSW.
Aboriginal foster carers are essential for Aboriginal children and young people, providing safe, loving environments deeply connected to their culture. A strong cultural identity boosts self-esteem, confidence, and aspirations.
AbSec offers support and training for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal carers of Aboriginal children. With 41.2% of children in out-of-home care being Aboriginal, we need more families to step up and offer the culturally enriching care these children need to thrive.
If you're an authorised foster, relative, kinship carer, guardian, or adoptive parent from out-of-home care, you can access a variety of FREE training options run by Carers for Kids NSW (C4K). You can choose from online or in-person sessions, or catch recorded webinars at your convenience. |
LINKS Training and Support develops targeted, evidence-based training and resources for out-of-home care professionals and carers. LINKS Training and Support works to improve sector-wide capacity across NSW. The team is part of DCJ Psychological and Specialist Services.
Nearly all kids in out-of-home care have experienced at least one traumatic event. LINKS Training and Support equips carers and professionals with practical skills and strategies to help kids thrive after trauma.
LINKS training and support
This program sits within our broader DCJ LINKS service, and we’re showcasing it here because it’s one of the most popular ways carers choose to connect and learn.
Online carer drop-in sessions give foster, relative/kin and grandparent carers the chance to hear short educational presentations, ask questions, and chat with other carers. These sessions help build knowledge, skills and confidence, while strengthening peer support in an easy, accessible online space.
They’re facilitated by specialist psychologists, with topics shaped by what carers say they need. The sessions are casual and voluntary, creating a safe place for carers to share experiences, celebrate wins, talk through challenges, and support one another.
Helpful resources for carers
Accessing the right resources supports your wellbeing and helps you provide the best care for the children in your home. These tools and guides are here to help you create a safe, nurturing environment and stay up to date with current care practices and requirements.
You’ll find practical information on child development, trauma-informed care, and other important topics. These resources are designed to build your confidence and make it easier to handle challenges — so you can focus on what matters most: helping children feel safe, supported, and valued.
Choose from the options below:
Developed by the Department of Communities and Justice, the Caring for kids guide is the essential resource for foster, relative, and kinship carers supporting children in out-of-home care.
With over 200 pages of practical information, you’ll find important legal, policy, and practical information to help you in your caring role, including:
- The different roles and responsibilities of carers, caseworkers, children, and their birth families
- How to work together to provide the best possible care
- The types of support and assistance available to you, including training and financial help
- Ways to support a child’s culture, identity, and family connections
The guide also offers practical tips and ideas for everyday life — from parenting advice to understanding and supporting children who have experienced abuse, trauma, or neglect.
The safety and welfare of children and young people in out-of-home care are best served by promoting strong and close relationships between the child or young person being cared for, their carer and the designated agency.
The Code of Conduct aims to foster stable and positive relationships between the child or young person, their carer and the designated agency.
This Code of Conduct for Authorised Carers is a principle-based framework. It promotes the highest standards of conduct by authorised carers . It sets out the standards of behaviour that apply to carers. It also sets out the support and assistance that carers can expect to receive from the designated agency supervising the placement .
Being a carer is no easy task. Some days can be tough.
There are always issues that need to be solved and decisions made to help ensure children and young people have the support they need. This guide aims to help you work to resolve your concerns and understanding your rights about complaints as they arise.
While each caring or fostering journey is different, you may at some point experience change or loss and the feelings that come with this.
Building strong bonds with the children or young people in your care can make it difficult to cope when those relationships change or end. It’s natural to feel a sense of loss. This guide is here to help you navigate through change, grief, or loss. Even if you’re staying connected as part of the child’s support network, preparing for and managing change can still be challenging.
Grief and loss and end of life (PDF 352.65KB)
The NSW Reportable Conduct Scheme is overseen by the Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG). The purpose of the Reportable Conduct Scheme is to protect children – and everyone who falls under the Scheme has a role to play in achieving this outcome.
This guide was developed by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), in partnership with the OCG, to help carers understand the process involved when reportable allegations are made against them.
NSW Reportable Conduct Scheme Guide for authorised carers (PDF 272.49KB)
The OCG has also developed a range of fact sheets, guides and a free eLearning course — all designed to help carers and agencies better understand reportable conduct and their responsibilities under the Scheme.
Designed for carers supporting a child or young person with disability, this resource offers practical guidance to help you feel confident and supported. It explores ways to help children settle into your family, communicate effectively with them, and work closely with specialist staff and teachers to ensure they receive the personalised care, attention and opportunities they deserve.
Caring together - raising them strong: Caring for kids with disability (PDF 1.53MB)
Helps carers guide young people as they grow into confident, capable adults. This resource offers practical tips on building everyday life skills, planning for the future, and navigating big changes — all in ways that strengthen independence and resilience.
Leading the Way - preparing young people for leaving care (PDF 5.44MB)
Discover how personalised learning and support planning can make a real difference for students in out-of-home care. The information and resources explains how schools — across NSW Government, Catholic and Independent systems — work with carers and caseworkers to tailor learning, build on strengths, and ensure each young person gets the support they need to thrive at school.
NSW Health offers coordinated health assessments to help children and young people in statutory OOHC get the care they need to thrive. For those aged 0–17 who are expected to remain in care for more than 90 days, these assessments bring together health professionals to provide a clear, holistic picture of each child’s health and wellbeing — giving carers and caseworkers the information they need to support them confidently.
You may be a foster carer or a Nan, Pop, Aunty, Uncle or cuz who wants to keep kids close to their family and community. You understand many of our kids have had a tough time.
Looking after kids of any age can be hard at times so this book has lots of good ideas to help you. It talks about how we can help kids grow up strong by listening and spending time with them, talking to them about their feelings and caring about school, their health and safety. There are good days AND bad days when caring for a child – so don’t be ashamed to ask for help.
This practical guide is filled with tips, ideas and real-world strategies to support carers and caseworkers as they navigate both the everyday moments and the tougher challenges of raising pre-teens and teenagers in out-of-home care. It’s designed to help you feel informed, supported and confident as you guide young people through this important stage of life.
Explore a collection of helpful articles, printable guides and booklets created by Aboriginal carers and support workers. These resources are designed for Aboriginal families and kinship carers across NSW, offering culturally grounded advice, practical support and shared wisdom from people who truly understand community, culture and caring.