Foster Care provides accommodation for children 0-17 years of age in homes of well trained and supported caregivers (who receive cost reimbursement).  Most referrals for foster care placements come through Child Protection Services.  The overall goal of Foster Care is the reunification of children with their families of origin.

CAFS cares for about 80 children each night in its foster care program, covering the part of the Grampians Region east of Ararat and over to Bacchus Marsh.

Foster Care provides a valuable and vital service to children and families in the local community.  The Foster Care Program is always seeking new families and individuals who can help us to provide this service.

The overall goal of Foster Care is the reunification of children and young people with their own birth families. When it is safe to do so, many children and young people do return to the care of their birth families. Some young people move on to independent living; some young children move on to live with permanent carers through CAFS Adoption and Permanent Care program.

While children and young people reside in foster care they are well cared for and supported by thoroughly assessed and trained carers. When a child or young person is with a carer family, a CAFS worker is allocated to work with the child/young person and the carers to ensure the best outcomes are achieved from the placement experience.

How to become a foster carer

Foster carers can be male or female, single, married, de-facto, gay, working or retired. Becoming a foster carer is a rewarding experience. With more than 100 children needing foster care placement, and with carer numbers at low levels, we are keen to hear from interested people out in our community.

Those interested in becoming a foster carer will undertake 'Shared stories, Shared Lives' training, which occurs over three consecutive Saturday's. Potential carers will also be required to undertake assessment and screening tests prior to becoming an accredited carer. 

Upcoming training sessions will begin on Saturday 11th February.

To register your interest in upcoming training or to become a foster carer, please contact Di Walker - Carer Recruitment & Assessment on 5337 3333 or email dwalker@cafs.org.au

THINK OUTSIDE THE SQUARE FOR FOSTER CARE

Are you an innovative group of community focused people who like to give back and create opportunities for others?

CAFS welcomes enquiries from groups of friends, work colleagues or other networks who will support each other to care for a child or a sibling group.

You will also be part of the larger team at CAFS. Think about becoming a carer in this creative and inventive way and talk to your friends and colleagues about the possibilities of supporting your community by being group foster carers. Then talk to us at CAFS.

Call Di Walker or Glenn Licheni on 5337 3333.