How do I become a Carer?
“Although the Carer selection process was thorough, it was a comforting part of the process. We felt reassured in becoming Carers and learnt a lot about ourselves.” - June, Foster Carer
Enquire
Let us know you’re interested. We’ll have a chat, step you through some of the basics of what’s involved in becoming a Foster Carer and provide you with more information.
Register
The next step is to formally register your interest in becoming a Foster Carer. A member of our team will visit you in your home, provide you with an application pack and discuss the application process in detail with you, answering any questions you may have.
Training
All Foster Carers are required to undertake a two day Shared Lives training course. The training is held at Cafs and usually takes place over two consecutive Saturdays. Once you become a Cafs Foster Carer, we deliver a second round of one on one training.
Assessment
Next is the Step By Step four-part assessment that includes all members of a prospective Carer’s household. During this process, we’ll explore your motivation to become a Foster Carer, assess your ability to work in a team and make sure you can provide a child with an emotionally and physically safe and stable home environment. These are all key factors that will determine your suitability to become a Foster Carer.
Congratulations!
You’re officially a Cafs Foster Carer – welcome to the team!
Once you’re approved as a Foster Carer, you’ll be asked to sign a Code of Conduct. You will now also need to complete part two of the Shared Lives training package. And of course, you will receive ongoing supervision and support from the Cafs Foster Care team. And you will be encouraged to attend ongoing training that enhances your caring skills.
CAFS stories
Cafs Thread Together is leading the change in the local community
The new Cafs Thread Together clothing hub in Ballarat is a life changing moment for those who walk through its doors. However, it isn’t just the “shoppers” who are discovering its power but also the volunteers.
Read more
How Step Up helped a young boy overcome violent behaviour toward his mum
Dylan was the last child anyone expected to be violent or aggressive. He’s the quiet one in the family. When Dylan was nine, he started lashing out at home.
Read more
How June and Robert found the right time to become Cafs foster carers
Becoming foster carers can be a life affirming experience. June and Robert always knew that fostering would be in their future; it was just a question of timing.
Read more
How Cafs financial counselling helped
a dad battling with cancer
When you’re a self-employed dad, being sick comes with more concerns than your own health. With no money coming in, Tony was stressed about his family.
Read more
Housing Support: How Cafs ATAR team helped a father avoid eviction
Bruce was admitted to hospital for three months, and while he was in there, he asked his adult sons to take care of the home he'd been renting for the past eleven years.
Read more
How Cafs helped Chloe and her family find hope
Chloe was 16, and her young life was falling apart. She’d dropped out of school and had started drinking and taking drugs. She also started stealing and self-harming.
Read more
How Cafs day stay helped one young family establish a healthy bedtime routine
For Bianca and Josh, the excitement of becoming new parents was giving way to exhaustion. They were desperate for more sleep.
Read moreCafs acknowledges our past. In the spirit of reconciliation, we give deepest respect to Australia's First Nations Peoples. Their histories, their stories, their resilience. Their connection to culture and land. The wisdom of their Elders past, present and emerging.
