There are different types of foster care available.
Respite care
Respite care involves having a child in care for short stays. This could be regular weekends, school holidays, or one-off overnight stays. Respite care gives longer term foster carers a break and allows children to build new relationships and have new experiences.
Emergency care
Emergency foster care may involve an overnight stay or last for up to two weeks. Carers who provide emergency care can be contacted at short notice at any time of the day.
Short-term care
Short-term care can last from two weeks to two years. The aim is to give the birth family some time to manage a difficult issue. The child may then return to their birth family if it's appropriate, or they may be placed in long-term care.
Long-term care
For some children, returning to their birth family is not possible. Long-term care is provided until family circumstances change or until the child turns 18.
Specialist care
Specialist foster carers care for children and young people who have complex needs. This can include children and young people who have disability or special needs. Specialist carers undertake extra training and receive additional support.
Specific child only
Carers provide family-based care in their own homes for an individual child or young person based on their specific relationship with them.
Kinship care
Kinship care can help a child or young person maintain a connection with their family. Carers are usually related to the child or have a strong personal connection to them, their culture or their community.
Related information
Contact
Foster Care Services
Phone 1300 2 367 837
