CatholicCare has been providing Foster Care since the 1970s and offers care for children and young people aged 0-18 years.
The length of time a child or young person spends in Foster Care can vary depending on the reason they are in care. CatholicCare provides the three main types of Foster Care.

Short- and Medium-Term Care
This can range from providing Foster Care to a child for one night or up to 12 months. On average, care is usually provided for around 6-9 months. After this period of time the child may return to living with their family or be placed in long-term care.

Long-Term Care
Long-term Care is provided to children whom can no longer live with their birth parents or family. Children in long-term care need a family to grow up with until their family’s circumstances change or they turn 18. This type of care requires a high level of commitment.


Respite Care
Respite is care provided for regular, short stays (for example, one weekend a month). It gives families a break and provides regular positive experiences for the child.

Pre-adoptive Care
CatholicCare also provides pre-adoptive short-term care. This type of care is for infants whose parents are considering putting them up for adoption.

Foster Carers with CatholicCare may provide more than one type of care. We are constantly on the lookout for more Foster Carers, particularly those who are willing to care for older children, teenagers and sibling groups. To find out how you can support children and young people in Foster Care see Becoming a Foster Carer.