6 steps to become a Foster Carer
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Do you have space in your life
to be a Foster Carer?
At Burdekin we believe every young person has the right to a life that offers opportunities to fulfil their potential. If you share this belief, we would love to hear from you.
Burdekin Carers are adults who have been assessed and authorised to provide accommodation, care and support to a young person. Foster Carers work as a team together with our staff and the young person to enable them to thrive and develop independence.
Becoming a Foster Carer is a comprehensive journey to ensure that both you and the young person receive the best care and support for a successful relationship.
Burdekin is dedicated to being child safe organisation. Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of the young people in our care. It’s essential for us to determine if foster care is the right fit for you and how we can best assist you in this role.
The entire process usually takes about 3 to 4 months. During this time, we will be very involved and committed as we guide you in how to become a foster carer.
We want you to succeed!
How to become a Foster Carer with Burdekin
We have 6 key steps that will take you through the process.
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1. Make contact
Complete the Foster Carer Quiz and if you meet the requirements, fill in the contact form at the end of the quiz and we will get in touch. Or email us at carer@burdekin.org.au.
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2. Meet & greet
We will arrange a time to meet you at your home. You can ask all your questions and learn more about how to become a Foster Carer. This is a chance to see if it is right for you. An Application Pack is given to you for you to complete, including a National Police Check, a Working with Children Check, and a Medical check by a GP. In addition, Burdekin’s Community Service Check will also be completed.
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3. Foster Carer training
There are 2 x 3-hour training sessions, completed individually with a trainer, either in person or online. There are no exams or tests! The training provides you with a detailed perspective on what fostering might be like and helps you determine if it is the right fit for you.
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4. Foster Carer assessment
We visit your home to get to know you and any family members in the home better. This information forms the foundation of our assessment. We also begin preparing you for your role as a Burdekin Foster Carer. The assessment itself involves three sessions, and reference checks to complete the process.
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5. Final authorisation
Once you have successfully completed all the assessments and checks, your application will go for a final authorisation process by our Burdekin authorisation panel.
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6. You are now a Burdekin Foster Carer!
Congratulations… your journey begins! Burdekin will start the matching process, and soon you'll be ready to welcome a young person into your life.
Every child and young person deserves a life full of opportunity, and our foster carers are the foundation to make this possible.
What it takes to be a great Carer
Burdekin Foster Carers are a positive, supportive presence in a young person’s life.
To be successful, you should:
- Enjoy spending time with teenagers, listening to them, and appreciating their perspectives.
- Be non-judgemental and respect the views of young people.
- Be approachable, patient, and confident in managing behaviour.
- Be a positive role model with a sense of humour and a tolerance for diversity.
- Be open to ongoing training, feedback, and participating in meetings as needed.
As a Foster Carer, you'll provide:
- Practical support with daily tasks and a positive, encouraging environment.
- Assistance with life skills and goal-setting, in collaboration with Burdekin staff.
- Clear boundaries, constructive feedback, and strategies to help young people achieve positive outcomes.
Ready to make a difference?
We’re here to guide you!
If you’re ready to take the first step and see if this is the right path for you, do the Foster Carer quiz and connect with us! Either use our contact form or email carer@burdekin.org.au.
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Types of
Foster Care
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Foster Carer?
Foster Carer
FAQ
Become a
Foster Carer!
Stronger, better, and more capable – together.