While we consider our Foster Carers to be quite amazing, the truth is that they consider themselves quite ordinary people rather than “super parents”. They order takeaway when they can’t be bothered to cook, leave the vacuuming ‘one more day’ and have been late to appointments more than once. They are everyday people just like you.

There are many reasons why people decide to apply to become Foster Carers, and although these reasons do vary, there are often commonalities among prospective Foster Carers share.

The quality that makes Foster Carers special? They want to be able to share the good things in their lives with a child who is unable to live at home. We find that Foster Carers are ‘child-centred’ and feel that they have something to offer children in care. They want to protect them and contribute towards their development.

Above all, they value children.

Many of our carers have family and friends already in this important role and find that after witnessing others experiences, they too have what it takes to be a Foster Carer.

Foster Carers need time, patience, tolerance and energy. They need to be able to work as part of a team; sharing their home, lives and parenting styles with Foster Care staff and other professionals. All Foster Carers must appreciate and encourage the role of the child’s birth family in their lives.

Foster Carers can be male or female; married, defacto, in a same-sex relationship, or single. Some Foster Carers stay at home with children while others maintain part- or full-time work or study. Despite the name, you do not have to be Catholic to be a Foster Carer with us. Our carers come from many different religious and cultural backgrounds. Their similarity is that they are committed to improving the lives of children in their care.  

Find out more about becoming a Foster Carer