Application process to become a carer
Starting your foster care journey?
Here's a quick guide to the steps you'll take:
Check if you are elegible
To foster with us, you'll need to live in Queensland, be over 18, in reasonable health, have a safe home for children, and be able to obtain a Blue Card (working with children check).
Learn about eligibility
Ensure everyone in your household is supportive
If you live with family or others, you'll need to speak with them about foster care. Any other adults in your household will be interviewed as part of our assessment process. They'll also need to be able to obtain a Blue Card (working with children check).
Learn about eligibility
Speak with us
This can happen around 4-6 months after you first applied, allowing time for background checks and to match a suitable foster child to you.
I'm interested
Attend an information session
We hold information sessions across Queensland and also online where you'll meet our foster care team and current foster carers. These are a great way to find out about getting started and what day-to-day life looks like as a foster carer.
Application
We'll send you the application form to start the process. We'll need information about you and your household. We'll also ask for character referees. Submit your application and we'll call you with any questions and to arrange assessment with you.
Application process
Assessment
We'll come to your house to meet with you and ensure your home is safe for a child or young person. We might do a few visits during your assessment and we'll also do background checks, arrange a health assessment and contact your referees. This process can take 4 - 6 months.
Outcome
We'll provide a recommendation to the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs for you to become an approved foster carer, and we'll give you a call to let you know next steps.
Training
New foster carers will undertake an initial face-to-face training program with us, which involves a few group training sessions. You'll then receive ongoing training support as you move forward in your foster care journey.
Learn more
.png?height=500)
First foster child arrives
This can happen around 4-6 months after you first applied, allowing time for background checks and to match a suitable foster child to you.
Apply for foster care allowance
The Queensland government provides allowances for carers to help you meet day-to-day costs when you have a foster child in your care. There is a base fortnightly allowance which changes depending on a child's age, and other allowances that we can help you apply for.
Foster Care Allowance
