Become a Respite Carer
We support Respite Carers to provide a ‘home away from home’ for children in Foster Care
Become a Respite Carer
As a respite carer, you’ll make a positive difference in a child’s life and help ensure their full-time foster family can recharge to provide the best care and support.
Who can be a Respite Carer?
Respite carers are everyday people from all walks of life. We welcome respite carers from various backgrounds, ages, life experiences and skills, to help provide scheduled, short-term support for children and young people with a foster care family.
The most important things we look for in respite carers is the ability to provide a safe and nurturing home, and a desire to help children and young people develop and reach their full potential.
Respite carers can be:
Single or have a partner
Have children of their own or no children
Be employed, not working, studying or retired
Come from any cultural or ethnic background
Be of any gender identity
Carer requirements:
Must be over 21
Have the time, energy and willingness to commit to the needs of a child or young person
Be healthy
Be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident
Have a spare bedroom
Willing to undergo background checks
What do Respite Carers do?
Respite care plays an important role in the family network, providing a stable home, so the child or young person can have every opportunity for success.
Respite care is for short, usually pre-planned periods of time. Respite carers might care for a child one weekend a month or for a few weeks during school holidays.
Respite carers provide a ‘normal everyday life’, where the child or young person can attend school, participate in sport, hobbies, friendship groups and appointments.
Each child or young person will have things that they love to do, like going to the park, visiting the zoo, reading books, going bike riding, etc.
What support do Respite Carers receive?
Financial Support
Receive a tax-free allowance to support the needs of children placed in your care. The allowance covers the day-to-day costs of looking after the child or person in your care, such as food and necessities.
24/7 Carer Support
Access to support at any time of the day or night for advice, support and direction for a range of needs and situations.
Training
Respite Carers are provided with a range of learning opportunities suited to their level of experience and the needs of children in their care.
Opportunity to make a difference
As a Respite carer, you’ll provide a caring, ‘home away from home’, with the chance for the foster family and the child to recharge and reconnect.
Contact us
Find out more about becoming a Respite Carer and provide a home away from home for local foster children.
