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OzChild offers an Information and Advice service for kinship carers, and others who may be supporting kinship carers, in the designated Local Government Areas.

If you are living in the areas covered by Wesley Mission Victoria please call (03) 9794 3000.

What does the OzChild Information and Advice Service offer?

• Information about the range of community supports available for kinship carers
• Advice about how to manage the issues and challenges that kinship carers may face
• Advice about the care requirements of the child they are caring for
• Information about the financial supports that may be available for kinship carers.

Who can use the Information and Advice Service?

Anyone involved in kinship care such as:

• Kinship carers
• Children in kinship placements
• Members of the extended family
• Professionals involved in supporting kinship carers and children
• Other relevant members of the broader community

A Kinship Information and Advice Worker can be contacted at OzChild on (03) 9212 5600, or through this contact form (select Kinship Care). The office is open Monday to Friday between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm. Our reception staff will be able to tell you when the Kinship Information and Advice Worker is available.

Information and Advice Service flyer

Group Support

Groups provide invaluable support to kinship carers and the children or young people they care for. Meeting others in a similar situation can help normalise your experiences and break down isolation.

OzChild has developed support and skill-based groups to help carers build their confidence and skills.  Kinship carers are warmly invited to join the Carer Support Groups.

If you care for a child who is not your own and you are directly related to the child, or, someone who is from the child or family's wider network, and live in the municipal areas of Frankston City, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Port Philip City, Stonnington City, Glen Eira City, Bayside City and Kingston City, you are invited to come and meet with other kinship carers with similar experiences.  Share the highs and lows of being a kinship carer over morning tea.

2011 Carer Support Group calendar

Additional resources

In 2011 OzChild celebrates 160 years of caring for children! OzChild is Australia's oldest independent, not-for-profit, children's charity, with a history of caring for children which dates back to 1851. We continue to care for children, support families and strengthen the potential and life opportunities of children and young people.

Kids Works newsletter

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Simone

When my family decided to go into the foster care program, we were full of anticipation and curiosity. We knew that it would be rewarding, but we under-estimated just how rewarding it could be.  The experiences I have had over the several years of fostering have been funny, educating, challenging and emotional.

Read more...