Can I Become a Carer?
Yes - it’s very likely that you can!
We welcome people from all walks of life who want to make a real difference in a child’s life by providing a safe, respectful, caring home. What matters most is your capacity to provide love, stability and support – not where you live, your job, or your relationship status
Who can be a carer?
We’re looking for people who:
- Are willing to provide a safe, nurturing and supportive home
- Want to help children grow, heal and thrive
- Believe in children and their potential
- Are open to working with families and support services.
Take a short quiz to see if you are eligible to become a carer.
What does being a carer involve?
Children in foster care come from different backgrounds and experiences.
As a carer, your role may include:
- Supporting a child’s day-to-day life - school, routines, hobbies
- Helping them build confidence and healthy relationships
- Encouraging cultural connections with their family and community
- Working with our team to meet each child’s unique needs
Whether it’s short term care, long term care, repite care, or emergency placements, every caring home helps a child feel safe and valued.
What’s the process?
Becoming a foster carer can take up to 12 months, but the process is designed to ensure carers feel supported, prepared and confident. AFSS provides the right training and guidance, and carefully matches carers with children or young people to ensure the best possible outcomes. To learn more about foster care and the application process, you can also attend an information session, where our team will answer your questions and guide you through the next steps.
Below is an overview of the steps involved in becoming a foster carer
1. Make an Enquiry
Contact AFSS and speak with an Assessment Officer to discuss your interest.
2. Information & Home Visit
We visit your home, provide information, explain the process and paperwork, and invite you to training.
3. Checks & Training
You complete the required training, screening checks and safety requirements.
4. Assessment
An Assessment Officer works with you through home visits to complete your carer assessment.
5. Approval
Your assessment is reviewed by AFSS and submitted to the Department for Child Protection for final approval.
6. Placement & Support
Once approved, we work with you to find the right placement and provide ongoing support and training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Things people often ask us about:
Do I need to be in perfect health to foster?
No. However, applicants must have physical and mental health that enables them to safely and effectively care for a child or young person. Long-term carers, in particular, need the capacity to support a child through to adulthood.
Can I provide long-term care at any age?
If you are considering long-term care, it’s important to realistically consider your capacity to care for a child until they reach adulthood. This will be discussed with you as part of the assessment process.
Can I foster if I have fertility issues or am planning to have children?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged to reflect on how fertility issues or family planning may impact their caring role. Because fostering can be demanding, the timing of having children — including fertility treatment — should be carefully considered as part of your decision to apply.
Do foster carers get paid?
Foster carers receive a carer allowance to help cover the everyday costs of caring for a child or young person. This payment is a reimbursement, not a wage or salary, and is not taxable.
Are there additional financial supports available?
Yes. Depending on individual circumstances, carers and children may be eligible for additional supports, including:
- Family Tax Benefit
- Carer Payment
- Parenting Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- Youth Allowance
- Child care subsidies and rebates
- Health Care and Concession Cards
What safety requirements does my home need to meet?
As part of the assessment process, a worker will complete a home safety checklist with you to identify any changes needed to meet Department for Child Protection requirements.
Do I need to own my home to foster?
No. You do not need to own your home. Applicants must have safe, suitable accommodation for a child or young person.
Does a foster child need their own bedroom?
A bedroom must be available for the child or young person. In some cases, bedrooms may be shared (for example, between siblings), where appropriate.
How does AFSS support culture?
AFSS knows how important Culture, Country, and identity are for children and young people.
Funding and support are available to help children:
Stay connected to Country
Take part in cultural activities and responsibilities
Build strong cultural identity and wellbeing
Will every carer receive the same support?
Support can vary depending on:
The age of the child or young person
Whether the child has additional needs or a disability
AFSS will explain what support you are entitled to and help you with applications, payments, and any questions you may have.
Listen to our carer stories
Foster Care Services is available at the following locations
Kilkenny
5/10 – 14 Regency Road
Kilkenny SA 5009
(08) 8297 5708
Berri
23 Denny Street
Berri SA 5343
(08) 8582 3192
Ceduna
28 Poynton Street
Ceduna SA 5690
(08) 8625 3466
Port Lincoln
21 Washington Street Port Lincoln SA 5606
(08) 8683 1909
Coober Pedy
Lot 1991 Aylett Street
Coober Pedy SA 5723
(08) 8672 3066
Port Augusta
8 -14 Victoria Parade
Port Augusta SA 5700
(08) 8641 0907
Mt Gambier
20 Elizabeth Street
Mount Gambier SA 5290
(08) 8723 6100
Murray Bridge
67 Adelaide Road
Murray Bridge SA 5253
(08) 8532 1790
Get in touch with us today!
Our friendly Foster Care team is here to help! Whether you’re ready to begin your journey or just want to learn more, we’re happy to answer your questions.
Please fill in the initial form or you can contact us directly via the offices above or email us on: