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Wesley Mission has been providing care to children and young people since 1893. Today Wesley Dalmar provides homes for more than 620 children and young people in foster care.
For more information, call us on 1300 DALMAR (1300 325 627) or email us on dalmar@wesleymission.org.au.
A strong family is the cornerstone to healthy communities. When children are unable to stay with their birth families, our foster carers provide security, stability and a safe place to call home.
The decision for a child to enter into an out-of-home care arrangement is made by the Department of Family and Community Services in New South Wales. Where possible, children are stay with their own families with support, and any interventions are the last option.
Being a foster career is no ordinary role it comes with a range of responsibilities and each day can bring new challenges and great rewards.
Our foster carers:
Every child or young person has different needs, so there are different types of fostering to suit them. These include:
This can be anything from overnight up to twelve months. It can be prompted by a family crisis or intervention by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, where a child or young person has been removed from their parents while their long-term needs are assessed. At the end of temporary care, the child may return to their family or be placed in long-term care.
Typically for children who cannot live with their families and so need a family who will care for them. This care lasts until their family circumstances change, or until they turn 18. We expect children will remain a permanent part of their foster family even if they’re no longer officially in foster care. In many cases, adoption is possible for children in care, if this is in their best interests.
This care is for children and young people who are considered difficult to place because of their complex and high needs, such as challenging behaviours, disability, mental health issues, or being a large sibling group. It is designed to provide extra support and intervention to assist them to achieve success in a stable environment.
This involves short stays on a regular basis; sometimes for a few days, a couple of weeks or for one weekend a month. For families in crisis, respite care provides stressed parents or foster carers with a much needed break. It can relieve a sense of isolation for families, and provide a different, positive experience for a child. Regular respite foster carers are asked to make a commitment for 12 months.
We understand that becoming a foster carer is a huge decision for you and your family. Wesley Dalmar is with you every step of the way, supporting you from your initial enquiry, to when / if a child is placed in your care and beyond.
For more information, call us on 1300 DALMAR (1300 325 627) or email us on dalmar@wesleymission.org.au
Foster care is provided to children and young people up to 18 years of age, as they are unable to live with their own families. Children and young people enter into care for different reasons.
Children and young people are placed in care because they are at risk of significant harm or neglect, or in times of family crisis where the parent or carer voluntarily seeks support for their children. However, this is not the only reason. Children and young people can be placed in care because the parent or guardian is in poor health, unable to secure work or housing, or due to disability and social isolation.
There are so many reasons to become a foster carer with Wesley Dalmar. You will be providing a safe, secure and loving environment for very vulnerable, at risk children. You’ll become a vital part of a unique mission we have to serve those most in need.
However, it is also about whether or not you can truly provide the support and care to the child in need.
Every child or young person has different needs. There are different types of fostering to suit them, including both temporary and permanent care.
The first step in becoming a foster carer is to contact our carer recruitment team through our enquiry form.You will then be provided with a detailed information pack.
As you would expect, foster carers are thoroughly assessed before they are authorised to care for children in their own homes. This process includes:
The process is comprehensive and usually takes between three and 12 months, followed by a careful matching process.
Ongoing training and support is provided with Wesley Dalmar to give foster carers the opportunity to meet other carers, get to know the team that will be working with them and develop their skills.
Sign up today and be amongst the first to know about the work we do.
We’re committed to doing all the good we can but we can’t do it without your support.
Wesley Mission acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First Peoples. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original and ongoing Custodians of the lands and waters on which we all live and work. We recognise the continuing sovereignty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the Australian States and Territories where we have a presence, and their absolute right to self-determination. We pay our respects to all Elders – past, present and emerging – and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.
Read Wesley Mission’s Reconciliation Action Plan here.