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Become a foster carer

Foster carers play a vital role in our community, providing a safe and nurturing home to children who cannot live with their birth family

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Care is provided by trained, assessed and accredited foster carers

NT Friendship & Support Inc. provides emergency care, respite care, short term or ongoing foster and Aboriginal Kinship care.

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The placement of children with NT Friendship & Support Inc is done so as directed by Territory Families and Family Court.

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Please contact us today for more information about becoming a foster carer.

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Who can be a carer?

Anyone can apply to become either a foster or kinship carer in the NT.

 

Carers can be

  • Single or married, or in a de facto relationship including a same-sex relationship.

  • People who have their own children or people who don’t have children.

  • Anyone over 18 years of age, renting or owning their own home.

  • Working part-time, full-time or not at all.

  • Stable accommodation (public or private rental or buying your own home) 

  • Provide a current SAFE NT Working with Children Ochre Card and National Police Clearance

 

You might be suited to be a carer if you:

  • Are you patient - children/young people are often going through difficult times and need lots of understanding.

  • Are willing to work with others and follow a plan set by the child’s caseworker.

  • Relate well to children and young people.

  • Have room for an extra person in your home.

  • Are willing to support a child/ young person and protect them from harm.

  • Can provide a healthy and caring environment.

  • You could be suited to being a kinship carer if you are also related to a child in care through blood, marriage, kin, community or cultural relationships.

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Foster Care Allowance

NT Friendship & Support provide a non-taxable care payment to cover the cost of caring for the child or young people placed in your care.

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The payment is not an income, rather an allowance for the child. It can be used for:

  • Child care and school costs

  • Daily living costs such as food, clothing, transport, power etc.

  • Toys, presents, pocket money etc.

 

The amount of financial support given is usually determined by the different types of placements, depending on the age of the child in care and the complexity of their needs, ranging from general to higher support needs.

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What you can expect from us

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  • Individualised carer learning and training plan including medication, seizure management, first aid etc.

  • Support with carer respite, liaison with Territory Families, schools, medical providers and allied health professionals and referral to other services and support as necessary.

  • High levels of probity and intensive intake process to ensure the highest levels of care and safety of children and young people.

  • Community engagement activities including cultural events, yarning circles and much more

  • Advocacy, support and provide advice to carers including 24 hour support for carers and families.

  • Ensure the interests, needs, entitlements, standards of care and the rights of carers are appropriate and always in the best interests of the children/ young people in care.

  • Help promote partnership and good practice in collaboration with Territory Families and agency staff and promote a positive image of foster caring.

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