Cafs’ Kinship Care provides children living within the Central Highlands of Victoria, with a safe & familiar home when they can’t live with their biological parents.
Cafs offers trauma-responsive, compassionate support to carers, helping them navigate the challenges and create a nurturing environment where children can heal and thrive.
At Cafs, we understand that healing begins with connection. That’s why we take a trauma-responsive approach, recognising the impact of past experiences, prioritising emotional safety, and empowering carers with the tools and support they need to nurture resilience and stability.
Care for children within your own family unit
Kinship Care is a unique and deeply meaningful form of care, where a child is looked after by extended family members or close friends, someone they already know and trust, when living with their biological parents is not possible.
For many families across Victoria, stepping into the role of a Kinship Carer brings both heartfelt rewards and significant challenges. Children in kinship care have often experienced trauma, loss, or disruption in their lives. These experiences can affect how they respond to change, build trust, and feel safe in a new environment.
By opening your heart and home, you’re offering a child more than just shelter—you’re giving them a sense of belonging, consistency, and love. Your care can be a turning point in their journey toward healing and growth.
If you’re preparing to become a Kinship Carer, Cafs is here to walk alongside you.
Our dedicated team provides compassionate, ongoing support tailored to your needs and the needs of the child in your care:
Personalised Support Our experienced professionals understand the local community and the unique dynamics of kinship care. We offer guidance, advocacy, and emotional support every step of the way.
Connection and Community You’ll have opportunities to connect with other carers through in-person support groups, regular e-newsletters, and free family-friendly events. Sharing experiences can be a powerful source of strength and reassurance.
Trauma-Informed Resources We provide access to tools and information that help you understand trauma and its effects, so you can respond with empathy and confidence.
The journey of a kinship carer will be initiated by Child Protection Services (if a statutory arrangement). However, families may become linked with Cafs for ongoing support.
Kinship Care enquiry
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Permanent Care
Permanent Care gives children a safe, stable home when they can’t live with their birth families. Cafs works with Child Protection to match children with permanent care families and provides ongoing support to both carers and birth families.
At Cafs, we believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing home – somewhere they feel seen, heard and valued. Foster care provides that sanctuary, offering children and young people stability when their own home is no longer safe.
