Understanding the foster care process is essential for individuals and families who are considering becoming foster carers or who want to learn how children are supported when they cannot safely remain with their families. The foster care process is designed to prioritise the safety, wellbeing, and best interests of children while ensuring they are placed in stable and nurturing environments. It involves careful planning, assessment, and ongoing support to meet the needs of both children and carers.

The foster care process typically begins when concerns are raised about a child’s safety or living situation. Child protection authorities assess these concerns and determine whether foster care is required to provide temporary or long-term care. If foster care is deemed necessary, the focus shifts to finding a suitable placement that matches the child’s age, needs, background, and circumstances.

For those wishing to become foster carers, the process includes an application and assessment phase conducted by approved  foster care agencies. This stage often involves interviews, background and safety checks, home assessments, and reference checks. The aim is to ensure that carers can provide a safe, supportive, and stable home environment. Foster carers come from diverse backgrounds, and the emphasis is placed on their ability to offer care, understanding, and consistency.

Training is an important part of the foster care process and helps carers prepare for the responsibilities involved. Training programs cover topics such as child development, trauma-informed care, behaviour support, and communication skills. This preparation equips carers with the knowledge and confidence needed to support children who may have experienced instability or trauma.