Resources for foster and kinship carers
The following resources are for foster and kinship carers to help them in their role.
For further information, speak with your support worker.
Checklists and standards
Initial placement checklist
The initial placement checklist (105.6 KB PDF) helps make sure you and the child's social worker have all the information you need about the child coming into your care.
Making decisions about children in care
Who can say OK? makes it clear who is able to make day-to-day decisions and who can provide consent for children and young people placed in care.
This resource is subject to periodic updates. It was last updated in October 2017 to reflect the establishment of the new Department for Child Protection (DCP) and the staff in DCP who can make decisions in the areas of interstate and overseas travel and passport applications.
Privacy and personal information
In some cases the Department for Child Protection is required to share personal information with other agencies such as SA Police.
The privacy and your personal information (272.6 KB PDF) fact sheet outlines further information about your privacy rights when you have contact with the Department for Child Protection.
Standards of alternative care
The Standards of Alternative Care outline the quality standards for care of children in alternative care. They are relevant to all contracted service providers, caseworkers and carers who have direct or indirect contact with children and young people in all forms of alternative care.
Caring for children
Boundaries and keeping yourself safe as a foster carer
It is important to be aware that your actions could be misinterpreted by a child or young person in your care. Boundaries and keeping yourself safe as a foster carer outlines ways to create clear boundaries and avoid misunderstandings and false accusations. This includes issues like:
- privacy
- affection
- sexuality
- communication.
Caring for children in very hot weather
As a carer for children, it is vital you are aware of the dangers posed by heat for children in summer. See Caring for children in very hot weather (305.6 KB PDF) for dealing with extremely hot weather.
Disability support program for foster carers
The Alternative Care Therapeutic team (ACTT) at Child and Youth Services support foster families experiencing stress and concern about continuing to care for their foster child with a disability. Carers should talk to the Department for Child Protection case worker to discuss accessing the service.
School holiday guide
A guide to school holiday activities in South Australia, including vacation care programs, workshops, clinics, classes and activities to keep the kids busy.
Support for people after they have left care
After hours crisis care
When a foster or kinship carer needs help after hours they can call Crisis Care on 13 16 11.
If a crisis happens on a weekday between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm, foster or kinship carers can contact their child’s case worker or the relevant Department for Child Protection office.
Newsletter for foster and kinship carer parents
Links is the Department for Child Protection quarterly newsletter for foster and kinship carers. It includes information on current news and initiatives and provides carers with a way to share stories, achievements, activities and ideas.
