Permanent Care gives children living within the Central Highlands of Victoria 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.
Anyone can apply, families, couples, or individuals from all backgrounds. The service is free, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
At Cafs, we understand that every child’s journey is unique, and we work closely with carers to ensure they feel confident, informed, and supported.
Permanent homes for children in need
Permanent Care offers children who cannot live with their birth parents the opportunity to grow up in a safe, nurturing, and consistent family environment. It provides the long-term stability children need to heal, develop trust & thrive.
Many children in Permanent Care have experienced significant trauma, loss, or disruption. Our trauma-responsive approach recognises these experiences and focuses on building strong, supportive relationships that promote healing and resilience.
Children in Permanent Care remain under the care of Child Protection and are supported to maintain meaningful connections with their birth families where appropriate. These arrangements are always guided by what is in the child’s best interests, with sensitivity to their emotional and developmental needs.
We work in partnership with Child Protection to carefully assess each child’s needs and match them with a permanent care family who can provide a safe and supportive home.
We offer ongoing, wraparound support to permanent carers and birth families, recognising the importance of connection, stability, and emotional safety for everyone involved.
How Cafs Supports Permanent Carers
Cafs plays a vital role in supporting children and carers throughout the Permanent Care journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions?
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Becoming a permanent carer is a big decision — and we’re here to help you feel informed, confident and supported.
Need help applying?
We aim to make the process as accessible and supportive as possible.
Advocates are welcome, and interpreters are available on request. Please let us know if there are any specific needs or considerations we should be aware of.
Permanent Care enquiry
Discover more
Kinship Care
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.
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.
