Kids like Maxie need carers like you.
Not superheroes. Just everyday people with a spare room, an open heart and the willingness to care.
Across Warrnambool, Hamilton, Portland and everywhere in between, hundreds of children and young people need a safe place to stay.
When they can stay local, they can stay connected to their school, their friends, their sporting club and the community they know — at a time when so much else has changed.
That care might mean one weekend a month, a few weeks or something longer.
Every kind of care makes a difference.
Why Local Carers Matter
When there aren’t enough carers in south-west Victoria, children have to be placed wherever a safe home is available — sometimes hours from home. That can mean a new school, a long drive to see their brother or sister, and losing the coach, the neighbour and the mate’s mum who already know them.
A local carer means a child’s world doesn’t have to fall apart twice.
Most people who ask “can I foster?” already can.
You just need to be 21 or over, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, have a spare bedroom, and be able to pass a Police Check and a Working With Children Check.
You can rent. You can work full-time. You can be single, in your sixties, part of the Rainbow community, or have never raised children of your own. Our carers are farmers, nurses, retirees, tradies, teachers, shift workers and so much more.
Why become a Brophy Foster Carer?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Foster Care?
Foster carers provide safe, supportive homes for children and young people who cannot live with their families.
Children in foster care range from newborns to 18-year-olds and may come into care on their own or alongside their siblings. Some children need care for a short period of time, while others may need support for months or years.
While every child’s situation is unique, foster carers provide stability, care and connection during an important time in a young person’s life.
What Types of Foster Care Are Available?
Not everyone is in a position to provide full-time care.
Some carers provide care one or two weekends each month through respite care. Others provide emergency, short-term or long-term care.
Every carer’s journey is different. Whether you can help occasionally or are considering longer-term care, we’ll work with you to find an arrangement that feels right for you and your family.
There’s no single way to foster.
Can I Work Full-Time?
Yes. Many foster carers work full-time, either individually or as part of a couple.
The type of care that’s right for you will depend on your circumstances, availability and support network. Whether you’re considering respite care, emergency care or longer-term care, our team can talk through the options and help you understand what might fit your lifestyle.
Do I Need To Own My Home?
No! Many foster carers rent their homes.
Whether you rent or own, the most important thing is your ability to provide a safe, stable and caring home for a child or young person.
How Long Does Accreditation Take?
The accreditation process typically takes between 6 to 12 months.
This includes training, interviews, home visits and the completion of required checks. While it may seem like a big process, it’s designed to help you feel prepared, confident and supported before welcoming a child into your home.
What Support Will I Receive?
You’ll receive training, ongoing support from a dedicated foster care team, financial assistance to help cover the costs of caring for a child, and access to 24/7 local support whenever you need it.
As the south-west’s only locally based foster care provider, our team will be there to guide and support you every step of the way.
Let's have a chat!
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