“If you think you can do it, give it a go. It might change your life.”
- Karen, Foster Carer
Local foster carers share their stories
You can make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people by providing a stable home, support, guidance and care.
Our foster carers often tell us that opening their heart and home to help children in need has been one of the best decisions they’ve ever made.
There are many children in Western Australia who need safe families to care for them. We would love to hear from people like you who are willing to take on this important role.
There are a range of reasons children and young people come into care, but whatever the reason, what they all need is a stable and nurturing environment in which to live.
Foster carers come from all walks of life. You may be single, partnered, married, have multiple children, no children, or fur-children! You may even be related to a child who has entered care and would like to provide them with a safe and familiar place to call home. Foster carers can also work full time, part time or not at all.
We are always looking for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander foster carers and people from regional and remote Western Australia to step in and help make a difference to a child’s life.
Foster carers must be citizens or permanent residents of Australia and living permanently in Western Australia. New Zealand holders of a Special Category visa - subclass 444 - are eligible to apply to be foster carers.
There are so many options when choosing to become a foster carer in Western Australia. Foster carers can be registered through the Department of Communities, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations or Community Service Organisations.
Providing care for children for a short or time-limited period.
Providing short breaks for other family or foster carers who need a break. Includes emergency and respite care.
Providing care for children for their entire childhood.
There are a range of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Community Sector Organisations across metropolitan Perth and the regions who can support you in your fostering journey. All provide trauma informed, supportive approaches to caring for children.
Western Australia has a number of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations who can support foster carer families to ensure Aboriginal children are strongly connected to Culture, Country and family. If you choose to foster through an agency you will still have access to the support of the child’s care team in the Department of Communities as well as the agencies own support services.
Once approved as a foster carer you will receive support from the Department, or from the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation or Community Service Organisation you may choose to foster through.
You will be primarily supported by the child’s care team, who will help you navigate how to best provide care for each individual child. The Department also have Aboriginal Practice Leaders, psychologists and education officers available to support the cultural, psychological and educational needs of the child or children you care for.
You will be invited to functions, events and information sessions so you can meet other foster carers and learn new skills. You can also receive supports from the Foster Care Association of Western Australia.
Foster carers and their families also have access to free, confidential counselling services, should they want it.
Are you ready to become a foster carer and make a difference to a child’s life?
If you are ready to start your foster care journey complete our enquiry form and we will be in touch shortly to discuss your application. If you have any questions, please telephone 1800 182 178.
If you are a business or organisation and would like to host a foster care information session, please email us at: fostering@communities.wa.gov.au.
© Government of Western Australia 2024