Could you care?
Currently in Melbourne, we are seeking expressions of interest from individuals and couples who have room in their homes and their hearts to give these kids a great start!
Long-term carers are vital in providing the stability and permanency so many children need and crave. Committing to caring long-term for a child or young person means they don’t have to move from one foster family to another anymore – it means they can finally unpack their bag and focus on being a child without the worry of where they might end up next.
As a long-term foster carer, you will provide a safe and loving home for a child who would otherwise have nowhere else to go.
These kids have been bouncing from foster family to foster family because of the tricky behaviours they have developed over the years due to the abuse and neglect they have experienced.
Some of these kids are living in hotel rooms or in residential care units where they live with similarly traumatised kids and are being raised by youth workers on a rotating roster.
How do we support you?
Financial assistance
As a long-term carer, you will receive a carer allowance of $1,739 per fortnight ($45K tax free per year) to help cover the cost of things like food, bills and clothing.
Professional services for the child
You will also have access to all the supports and services your child could need, i.e., counsellors, speech pathologists, tutors and more.
24/7 on call access
We are there for you, and you can talk to a member of our team whenever you need to. Even outside office hours, a staff member is always on call, so help is just at the end of the phone.
Professional training
You will be asked to complete 16 hours of foster care training during accreditation to set you up for success. We also provide ongoing training opportunities across all aspects of foster care to help you build your skills and knowledge in working with children who have suffered trauma.
Day-to-day peer support
You will be matched with an experienced foster carer who can provide you with support and guidance over the phone or a coffee. Access to drivers to help with school runs, cleaners, meal delivery service, and babysitting funds is also available.
OzChild team alongside you
A team of people at OzChild are there for you, including your case manager, carer support worker and after-hours team.
Meet the kids
*Images and names have been changed to protect the identities of the children and their families.
Shelley* and Sammi*
Shelley is a 13-year-old girl who loves to make Tik Toks and play on her iPad. She normally listens to The Wiggles because that’s her sister Sammi’s favorite!
Sammi adores her older sister Shelley, and Shelley likes protecting Sammi; she wants to make sure she is safe and being looked after, which is why it is important the girls can find a home where they can remain living together.
Bailey*
Bailey loves Pokémon, Swimming, Basketball, playing with animals, cooking, and playing on his iPad.
Bailey would thrive with a carer who is nurturing, warm and gentle in their approach within a household with no other children or where there are older children who are also patient and kind and could help support Bailey.
Charlotte*
Charlotte is a sweet and inquisitive 8-year-old girl who loves animals and can tie her own shoelaces.
“I love playing with toy cars and riding my scooter, and my favourite TV show is Bluey. I also like to read books and eat lots of yummy foods. I would like to live with someone who likes to go for walks and wants to play with me.”
Charlotte is currently in need of a foster carer who has the time to help her with her routine, someone who won’t get mad if she forgets to go to the toilet before bed but rather reminds her about things like this.
Tim*
“SpongeBob SquarePants is my favourite TV show, but when it comes to music Kid Laroi is what I listen to because we are from the same mob.”
Tim is a 10-year-old proud Aboriginal boy from Gamilaroi country. Unlike many kids his age, Tim prefers to be outside playing rather than being inside on his iPad.
Sadly, Tim can’t stay with his current carers, so we are looking for his forever home.
Layla* and Kayla*
These cheeky little sisters will steal your heart and fill your home with giggles.
Aged 8 and 10 Layla and Kayla love to dance and sing.
Layla and Kayla are looking for a forever home where they can remain together until they reach 18.
Care for those who need it the most
Do you think you can…
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Provide a safe and positive living environment?
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Pass on simple life lessons like how to ride a bicycle or how to brush your teeth?
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Take the child to appointments (e.g. swimming lessons, contact with siblings or family, counselling)?
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Be there for them when they want to talk?
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Give the child a sense of belonging?
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Give the child one-on-one attention?
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Provide routine, love and support?
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Guide the child through ups and down with the support of the team at OzChild?
It’s the smallest decisions that can change a life forever
Other questions you might have
Ready to take the next step?
Get your Foster Care information pack
You can find the essential information you need to become a foster carer with OzChild in this pack. Our info pack will guide you through the process, answering questions you may still have so you can provide a safe and loving home for a vulnerable young person in need. Your decision to become a foster carer can change a young person’s life, giving them the care and support they deserve.
By submitting the enquiry form, you’re not signing up for anything; we are simply providing you with more information about becoming a carer.
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