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    Wesley Dalmar Foster Care

    Become a Foster Carer

    Support a child or young person in crisis by providing a temporary safe place or a loving long-term home that may even lead to permanent placement. As a not-for-profit foster family agency, Wesley Mission has a long history of facilitating quality foster care in NSW. Whether you’re ready to take the next step or simply curious, our online session is a safe space where you can ask questions or just listen in.

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      Change the life of a child in need by becoming a foster carer In NSW

       

      Foster care is provided to children or young people up to 18 years old when they can't live with their birth families. They are placed in care if at risk of harm, neglect or during family crises involving loss of work, housing difficulties, health decline or disability. Parents can also voluntarily seek foster care. Children typically return home when safe, though some need longer fostering, leading to permanent placement.

       

      This is where foster care plays a pivotal role. When you become a foster carer, there are many possibilities for you to help vulnerable children and young people in need and make a big impact on their lives. And although it’s not always easy, in the process, your involvement will bring you a sense of purpose, contribution and memories that’ll remain with you forever.

       

      Why choose Wesley Dalmar Foster Care?

      At Wesley Mission, we’ve prioritised children and young people's interests for over 130 years. Our longstanding dedication to care drives our mission to connect children and young people with safe, stable and loving homes. When you decide to foster through Wesley Dalmar Foster Care, you’ll get support at every step, helping you provide essential care for a young person.

      If you truly want to make a difference in children's lives, consider becoming a foster carer with us. With our proven support system, we're on hand to help you create a meaningful difference for the young in your community.

      Foster Care | Sarahs Story
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      24/7 Support
      Support is only a phone call away at any time. Should a crisis occur, we'll be with you every step of the way.
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      Ongoing Training
      You receive proven, ongoing training that has helped thousands of carers support the lives of vulnerable young people. 
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      Regular case manager support
      Each month, your case manager will visit you to provide support.
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      Personalised care services 
      You can access referrals to Wesley Mission support services, including medical specialists and tutors.
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      Resources for student education
      Receive assistance with accessing educational programs and opportunities for scholarships.
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      Financial support
      You will receive an allowance to assist with the costs of caring for the child or young person you are caring for. 
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      Peer support
      Gain the opportunity to connect with other foster carers, receive peer support, and build community.
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      A break when you need it
      Access regular respite to support your wellbeing.
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      Support from a chaplain
      Receive emotional and spiritual support when you need it.
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      Types of foster care you can provide

      Becoming a foster carer with us offers you a number of ways to support vulnerable children and young people, such as:

       

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      Emergency care
      Provide a safe environment for a child or young person in crisis. This is usually arranged on short notice and can last from one day to four weeks.
      Foster Care Landing Page | Types of Care | Young Adult with Dog - Short Term Care
      Short-term care
      Provide a child or young person with temporary accommodation until it’s safe for them to return to their birth family or a permanent home is found. This period can take from four weeks to up to two years.
      Foster Care | Landing Page | Woman & Child Holding Hands - Permanent or Long-Term Care
      Permanent or long-term care
      Care for a child or young person who, for relevant reasons, cannot live with their birth family and requires long-term support until they are ready to be independent.
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      Specialist care
      Provide care for a child or young person with high and complex needs, including mental health issues, challenging behaviours, disabilities or multiple siblings.
      Foster Care | Kinship Care
      Kinship care
      This type of foster care involves a relative, family friend, or someone the child or young person knows and trusts. Kinship care may also result in you becoming a legal guardian for the child or young person.
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      Respite care
      To provide you with necessary breaks to support your well-being, we offer regular respite care. The length of care varies, including options for one day, two weeks, a weekend each month, or the length of school holidays.
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      Can I become a foster carer?

      Regardless of your background, you can become a foster care provider in NSW with Wesley Mission. You can:

      • Be single or have a partner
      • Be working or not
      • Be retired or studying
      • Be from any religion or culture
      • Rent or own your home
      • Have your own children

      To be eligible, you must be:

      • Over 21 years of age
      • In good health
      • Willing to take training and participate in our assessment process
      • Willing to undergo background checks
      • An Australian citizen or a permanent Australian resident 
      Foster Care | Landing Page | Woman Reading Something To Child - Can I be A Foster Carer
      Find out if our service is available in your area

      Steps to becoming a foster carer

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      Step 1
      Have a chat

      Call 1300 325 627 or attend an online information session to learn about fostering.

      Book a session →
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      Step 2
      Home visit
      We’ll discuss if your family and home are a good fit and how to apply.   
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      Step 3
      Complete training
      Learn strategies to support a child or young person who’s faced trauma.
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      Step 4
      Assessment interview
      We’ll have deeper discussions to determine if your family is suited to fostering.
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      Step 5
      Become a carer
      If your application is successful, you’ll be matched with a child or young person.
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      A real foster care story: Opening their home to 75 children

      As foster carers with Wesley Foster Care, Carolyn and Dave have opened their home to 75 children. 

      Learn how you can get involved

      What people are saying

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        It has given me a lot more confidence as a person and I am proud I worked my way up to be a team leader and I enjoy helping people do their jobs. I like that everyone is equal here (staff and employees) and we all make mistakes but we are human and we are not treated any different when we do make mistakes or criticised for it. Staff are very friendly and helpful.
        Wesley Mission supported employee
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        It has improved my quality of life and given me different opportunities to try different things like jobs and TAFE. I feel I am being an active part within the community by working. I like that it is a fun place to work and I can laugh and have fun whilst working with my friends and the staff.
        Wesley Mission supported employee
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        Working here has taught me to be a lot more independent and try things on my own. I am a lot more positive and confident and I have a lot of fun working here .I like earning my own money and being able to go out and spend it. Staff are very nice and helpful here.
        Wesley Mission supported employee

      Our commitment

       

      We’re committed to placing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people with NSW foster carers who are connected to their community and culture.

       

      As a carer, you can count on us for reliable support for you and your family, so you can make a meaningful difference in young lives by fostering children across NSW. We support the NSW Government’s 10-year plan to transfer the care management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people to Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

       

      We’re proud to partner with local ACCOs because we believe they are best placed to strengthen children’s connections to kin, community, and culture.

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      Where to next?

      If you’re ready to take the next step, choose an option below to get started on your foster care journey.

      Ask a question
      Speak with one of our friendly and helpful foster care specialists today.
      Call us Email us
      Stay connected
      Subscribe today to receive our foster care information pack and newsletter.
      Sign up
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      Join an info session

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      Become a Wesley Aunty or Uncle

       

      If you’re not ready to become a foster carer, consider becoming a Wesley Aunty or Uncle mentor. You’ll be paired with a child or young person who has faced difficulties in life and needs a supportive role model. 

      Learn more

      Adopt a child with Wesley Dalmar

       

      We believe all children deserve a loving and safe place to call home. Wesley Dalmar operates in NSW to give children most in need a permanent new home with caring parents who will love and support them for the rest of their lives.

      Learn more

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      FAQs

      How do I become a foster care parent?
      Start by scheduling an information session through the provided link. Afterwards, we will visit your home to review the application process. You will then complete our training, which focuses on strategies for supporting children or young people who have experienced trauma. An assessment interview will follow, and if you pass, we will match you with a child or young person to serve as their foster carer.
      Why do children or young people enter foster care?
      Foster care is available for children and young people up to age 18 who cannot live with their families. They are placed in foster care if they face a risk of harm, neglect, or during family crises such as unemployment, health problems, or disability. Parents can voluntarily seek support. Usually, children return home once it is safe, but some may require permanent foster placements.
      Why should I be a foster carer?
      Being a foster carer isn’t always easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding. You will be providing a safe, stable, and loving environment for a child or young person who may have experienced trauma and difficult circumstances. Your experience, skills and dedication will help children become more resilient as they face challenges and adapt to life within a new family. You will collaborate with an organisation committed to helping those in greatest need. You will receive financial support, professional training and continuous guidance.
      Can I foster children of a specific age or gender?
      Our team will discuss any preferences you have, including age or gender, and will aim to match a child to your circumstances.
      How long will it take to become a foster carer?
      Becoming an authorised foster carer can take up to 12 months. The matching process with a child or young person varies, sometimes taking only a few days, other times several months, depending on the type of care you select.
      Will I have contact with the child’s birth family?
      Yes, we believe it’s important to keep fostering positive relationships with the child’s birth family. We encourage you to stay connected with them, as well as their community and culture. A case manager will support you in maintaining these relationships and organising regular, supervised visits with their birth family.
      What if I encounter challenges while fostering?
      We’ll provide you with ongoing support and access to specialist support services if needed to help you manage any challenges that may arise.

      Our locations

      Sydney
      Windsor - Foster Care
      Phone:
      1300 325 627
      Penrith - Foster Care
      Phone:
      1300 325 627
      Carlingford - Foster Care
      Phone:
      1300 325 627
      Bella Vista - Foster Care
      Phone:
      1300 325 627
      Newcastle
      Maitland - Foster Care
      Phone:
      1300 325 627
      Central Coast

      Tuggerah - Foster Care
      Phone:
      1300 325 627
      Gosford - Foster Care
      Phone:
      1300 325 627
      Mid North Coast
      Taree - Foster Care
      Phone:
      1300 325 627
      Port Macquarie - Foster Care
      Phone:
      1300 325 627
      Coffs Harbour - Foster Care
      Phone:
      1300 325 627
      Northern Rivers
      Grafton - Foster Care
      Phone:
      1300 325 627
      Ballina - Foster Care
      Phone:
      1300 325 627