Become a Cafs Foster Carer

“Every child is one caring adult away from being a success story.”

Could that caring adult be you?

Being a foster carer can be life-changing, for you and the child in care.

Find out more about making a difference in the life of a child and how you can open up a world of possibility for them.

Why do we need Foster Carers?

Some children and young people cannot live in their homes because their families are struggling with managing varying life issues. Sometimes the children are at risk of harm because of family violence, or their parents are struggling with substance abuse, mental health issues, illness or financial concerns. Sometimes families just need time to sort through issues. Foster care provides care for children and young people aged 0–17 years of age when their families are struggling to manage their care and wellbeing.

Why is Foster Care so important?

The overall aim of foster care is that the children will return home to their families when their parents are ready to care for them again. While the children and young people are in foster care, they will feel supported, nurtured and connected and have opportunities for continued growth and development.

Would it suit my lifestyle? 

There are many types of foster care including; emergency, respite, short and long term. All of our Foster carers are screened, trained and assessed and Cafs practitioners will be on hand to guide you every step of the way. 

Emergency care

Emergency carers look after children when they are in immediate danger. Emergency carers are often called on at short notice. The child stays for a short period (sometimes only a night) while a care plan is developed and a longer-term arrangement can be found.

Respite care

Respite carers provide planned care for a child for the short term, typically one or two weekends a month. Respite carers provide support for the child’s parents, guardians or regular foster carers, by giving them some much-needed rest. Respite carers enable the child to experience a different home environment.

Short term care

Short term carers generally care for a child for between one month to two years. There is usually a plan in place for the child to again live with his or her birth parents or guardians, they then receive guidance to improve their ability to nurture their child.

Long term care

Long term carers provide crucial stability, safety and security for a vulnerable child or young person who can't return home for a longer period, if at all. They may need guidance for a number of years, or until they reach adulthood.

What support will Cafs offer me as a carer?

You will become a very important member of the Cafs family and we will support you every step of the way including:

  • Financial reimbursement for each child in care to assist with everyday general needs.
  • Case management support.
  • After-hours emergency service support.
  • Regular carer newsletter and opportunities to meet other carers.
  • Great opportunities for further training to assist in developing skills and becoming the best foster carer you can be.

Are you interested?

Cafs urgently needs more foster carers to help care for children and young people.

If you are interested in promoting the care and wellbeing of children and young people in your local community, think about becoming a foster care family. A foster carer’s role is a challenging but rewarding one. The rewards come from knowing you have helped make a difference for a child or young person. Foster carers come from all walks of life. We need diverse carers to meet the diverse needs of children and young people.