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Become a carer

The perfect carer…

… doesn’t exist. You can be gay, retired, single, renting, or have children of your own. The most important thing is that you have the patience, stability and openness to welcome a child into your home.  While there are some essentials all carers need, CASPA gladly welcomes carers from a diverse range of backgrounds and lifestyles, and provides you with the training and support you need to navigate challenges along the way.

diversity

What kind of care would suit me?

Take our quiz

Empathy essentials.

As well as some physical and situational requirements, there are a few social and emotional requirements that are important to consider before becoming a carer.

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I believe in children and young people, and I want to help them thrive.

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I want to treat a child in my care as an equal member of my family.

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I want to help young people return safely to the care of their families.

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I am willing to care for my mental health so it doesn’t impact my ability to provide empathetic care.

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I can help a child navigate big feelings about being in care.

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I can dedicate my time and energy to being with a young person.

I’m ready. Let’s get started.

Attend a free Shared Lives information session to ask questions and understand more about the foster care process.

Sign up

What kind of care would suit me?

  1. 1 How old are you?

    Under 18?

    Unfortunately you are not old enough to be a foster carer yet. Have you considered volunteering for us?

    18+

    We accept carers, once they turn 18, of any age, as long as they meet our other requirements.

  2. 2 Are you an Australian citizen?

    Yes

    You could be eligible for all types of foster care.

    No

    Thank you for your interest. You need to have permanent Australian residency for CASPA to consider you as a carer. Have you considered volunteering for us?

  3. 3 Are you and anyone living with you willing to go through a background check?

    Yes

    You could be eligible for all types of foster care.

    I'm not sure

    If you or anyone you are living with has a criminal record, you should let us know early on. A criminal record does not automatically mean you can’t foster, but there are certain convictions, particularly involving children, drugs or violence, that will. CASPA requires all potential carers and members of their household to undergo a Criminal Record check and Working with Children check.

    No

    Thank you for your interest. CASPA requires all potential carers and members of their household to undergo a Criminal Record check and Working with Children check. Have you considered donating?

  4. 4 Are you in a relationship?

    Trick question!

    CASPA accepts carers of any relationship status, gender expression or sexual orientation.

  5. 5 Are you working?

    No

    You could be eligible for all types of foster care.

    Yes, part-time, full-time or flexible

    There are certain types of care that may suit you like respite or emergency care.

  6. 6 How long are you willing to commit to care?

    I don't like to plan too far ahead. 3-6 months.

    Respite or emergency care could be a great fit. 

    I want to see how this goes. 2 years.

    You could be eligible for many different types of care. 

    I'm in it for the long haul. As long as they need me. 

    Going all in? You could be a great family restoration or long-term carer.

  7. 7 Where do you live?

    I own my own home

    Great! If you have a safe and secure space for a child or young person, you could foster.

    I'm a renter

    Owning a home isn't required to become a foster carer. If you have a safe and secure space for a child or young person, you could foster.

    I share with others

    Depending on who you share with and how much room you have, that might work.

  8. 8 Do you have a spare room?

    Yes

    You could be eligible for all types of foster care.

    No

    Generally, you need a spare room for any children in your care. It's important for children to have their own space to feel secure. An alternative that may suit you is home-based care, where accommodation is provided.

  9. 9 Do you live with children, or are you planning to have children?

    No

    You could be eligible for all types of foster care.

    Yes

    Great! We love the experience existing parents bring to foster care. Research shows that it is beneficial for the fostered child to be the youngest in your home.

    Having treatment or exploring adoption

    We hope it goes well! Going through these processes shouldn't stop you from exploring certain types of care. You could be a great fit for respite or emergency care.

  10. 10 Have you ever suffered from a mental health condition?

    Yes

    It's okay not to be okay. History of a mental health condition does not automatically mean you can't foster. Contact us to discuss what kinds of care could suit you.

  11. 11 Are you a therapeutic professional?

    Yes

    Wonderful. Beyond standard models of care, you could be eligible to earn a wage as a therapeutic carer.

    No

    You don’t need to be. We provide you with the training you need to provide informed care and face challenges along your journey. 

  12. 12 How do you feel about forward planning?

    I love a plan. I thrive on structure, organisation and timeframes.

    That's good to know. You could be a great long-term carer.

    I go with the flow. I don't feel constricted by a plan, but I don't have to have one either.

    There are many different types of care that could suit you. Explore your options here.

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