Becoming a foster carer is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make. By opening your home, you provide children and young people with safety, stability and care during a time when they need it most.
In most cases, it takes around 4 to 8 months from your first enquiry to accreditation in Victoria, Queensland and the ACT. The exact timeline depends on your availability to complete training, paperwork and assessments.
There is no fixed timeframe for becoming a foster carer. You can complete all the steps in the process at your own pace but for many people the process takes around 4 to 8 months from enquiry to accreditation. Every accreditation journey is different and depends on your availability to:
If you want to explore the full process and check your eligibility, learn how to become a foster carer with OzChild in Victoria, Queensland or the ACT.
1. Attend an Information Session
The first step is learning more about fostering. OzChild hosts weekly information sessions where you can ask questions, understand expectations and explore whether fostering is right for you.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest
You can submit an online enquiry or speak with the OzChild team. This is simply the beginning of a conversation, not a commitment to take a placement.
3. Interviews and Getting to Know You
You will take part in a series of interviews to explore:
This stage ensures the right fit for both you and the children in care.
4. Background and Safety Checks
All adults in your household complete required checks, including:
These checks can take several weeks and are essential for ensuring children’s safety.
5. Training and Preparation
Before approval, you will complete training that teaches you all about:
If you are interested in supporting children with more complex needs, you can explore becoming a specialised foster carer, where additional therapeutic training is provided. Learn more about how specialised foster care is different to general foster care.
6. Home Assessment
A foster care assessor will visit your home to discuss your readiness and ensure your home meets safety requirements.
This stage focuses on:
It is not about having a perfect home, but about creating a safe and supportive environment.
7. Approval Panel and Final Decision
An independent panel reviews your assessment and training. In some cases, additional information may be requested before a final decision is made.
Once approved, you are formally recognised as a foster carer and supported through ongoing reviews.
8. Your First Placement
After your accreditation, we will talk with you about the types of care you’d like to provide, then OzChild will contact you when a suitable placement becomes available.
You are never obligated to accept a placement. Every decision is made with your circumstances and the child’s needs in mind.
The process is designed to be thorough and supportive.
It ensures that:
While waiting can feel challenging, this careful approach leads to better outcomes for both children and carers.
Yes you can, but most people should expect the process to take at least 4 months because interviews, training, safety checks and approvals need to be completed carefully.
How quickly paperwork is returned and how long checks and assessments take can influence the timeframe.
No, you don’t have to. Throughout the accreditation process we will have multiple conversations about your lifestyle, household, age and gender preferences but it is up to you to let us know when you’re ready to accept your first child into your care.
The process takes time because child safety has to come first. This process isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about making sure you feel informed, prepared and confident, while also making sure all the right checks and assessments are completed so children are placed in safe, suitable homes. Taking the time to do this properly helps create more stable, successful placements for both the child and the foster carer.
Thinking About Becoming a Foster Carer?
Many people consider fostering for months or even years before taking the first step. That is completely normal.
What matters most is making an informed decision that feels right for you and your household.
If you are considering becoming a foster carer, you are already taking an important first step.
You can attend an information session, ask questions or begin your application when you feel ready. OzChild is here to support you throughout the entire journey. Make an enquiry about becoming a foster carer today.
OzChild is proud to announce that Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa J. Griffiths has been named the winner of the Education, Government and Not-for-Profit category at the 2026 Australian Financial Review Women in Leadership Awards.
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