Foster carers play a vital role in our community by opening their hearts and homes to children and young people who are not able to live with their biological family, providing a safe place to heal, grow and thrive.
As part of the Victorian Government’s support for foster carers, the Care Support Help Desk is now an ongoing service that has already helped over 4600 children, young people and carers access important documentation and get the support they need.
Foster carers can also access the Carer KaFÉ, which provides a range of online and in-person learning and development opportunities to carers.
The Victorian Government is also piloting the ‘Education Support for Children in Care’ program in four locations, providing one-on-one tutoring for children and young people in care who are disengaged or at risk of disengaging from school.
To better support the wellbeing of young people, the Victorian Government is introducing the ‘Pathways to Good Health’ program, which will involve a health needs assessment and health management plan developed for all children and young people entering care by mid 2025.
Being a foster carer can be a positive life-changing experience for you, the young person in your care, and your extended loved ones and community.
You can become a foster carer and make a real difference in someone’s life. If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, reach out to your local foster care agency or visit: https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/foster-care or Fostering Connections.