Become a Foster Carer

Foster care and child protection in NSW

Children and young people up to the age of 18 in need of foster care if they can't live with their birth families. They're placed in care if they're at risk of harm or neglect during family crises that may involve a loss of work, housing difficulties, health decline or disability. Their parents may also voluntarily seek foster care. A child can typically return home when it's safe, although some need long-term fostering, which can lead to the child permanently living with their foster carers.

Wesley Foster Carers make a big impact. There's a lot of options for you to help vulnerable children and young people, either short-term or long-term. And because Wesley Mission know it's not always easy, there's dedicated 24-hour support for all our carers.

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 a child with safe, stable and loving homes. When you decide to foster through Wesley Foster Care, you'll get support at every step, helping you provide essential out of home When you decide to foster through Wesley Foster Care, you'll get support at every step, helping you provide essential out of home care for a child's life. Our foster and kinship carers play a vital role in creating a nurturing home and supportive environment that meets the protection and care needs of children and young people. We work closely with the child's biological parents, family members, and community members to maintain the child's social network and ensure tailored support throughout the foster care journey. Whether providing temporary care or long-term placements, our carers receive ongoing training, emotional support, and access to therapeutic specialists to help meet the diverse needs of children from diverse backgrounds, including older children.

We understand that foster carers provide day to day care and that relationship status does not limit who can become a carer. Financial assistance includes a tax free allowance to help cover the costs of caring, reflecting the vital role foster carers provide in the foster care system. If you have questions or want to start your foster care enquiry, we're here to guide you every step of the way.care for a child's life.

If you truly want to make a difference in the life of children and young people, 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.

What is a foster care agency?

A foster care agency is an organisation accredited by the NSW Government to recruit, train, assess and support foster carers on behalf of the child protection system. Rather than working directly with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), most carers foster through an accredited agency like Wesley Mission, which means you get dedicated case management, training, 24/7 support and a community of fellow carers, rather than navigating the system alone.

Not all agencies are the same. As a not-for-profit with over 130 years of experience in NSW, Wesley Mission's motivation is the wellbeing of children and carers, not profit. When you foster through Wesley, every decision we make is guided by what's best for the child in your care and the support you need to care for them well.

Carers offer children stability, routine, and access to better educational and social opportunities, while also helping them rebuild a sense of normalcy. However, as a carer, you may find your household dynamics shift, your stress levels rise, and your skills are tested in ways you didn't expect. A child in foster care may struggle with emotional and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, often exacerbated by instability and multiple placement changes.

That's why we don't just train you and leave you to it.

Every Wesley foster carer is part of a dedicated support network, a small group of 6 to 10 carers, guided by an experienced foster carer who has been through it themselves. Research shows these networks improve a carer’s wellbeing, help carers stay in the role longer, and lead to more stable placements. Alongside your network, you'll have a dedicated case manager who visits monthly, access to specialist services when needed, and our 24/7 support line for when things get difficult. Foster carers in Australia also receive financial support to cover the costs of caring for a child, which may include a care allowance that varies by state and the child's needs.

The carers who thrive with us are the ones who lean on that ongoing support.