About the Organisation

OzChild is one of Australia’s longest-serving charities supporting children, young people, and families. We work to strengthen families, provide healing, and prevent abuse and neglect through evidence-based services and community support programs.

Our mission is to prevent children and young people from entering out-of-home care, reduce the number of children in residential care, prevent young people from entering youth justice, and support self-determination to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal children in child protection and youth justice systems.

About the Role

This is more than a volunteer role. It’s an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the life of a child or young person.

As a Foster Carer with OzChild, you will provide care for children and young people who are unable to live safely at home. Care may be short-term, long-term, respite, or emergency based depending on your availability and preferences.

You will open your home to a child or young person and provide a safe, nurturing, and stable environment while working alongside OzChild’s experienced care team.

You will be responsible for

• Providing a safe, caring, and supportive home environment.
• Supporting the daily routines, education, and wellbeing of a child or young person.
• Encouraging positive relationships, confidence, and life skills.
• Helping children maintain connections with family, school, culture, and community where appropriate.
• Working collaboratively with OzChild case managers, therapists, schools, and other support services.
• Participating in training, meetings, and ongoing support programs.

About You

OzChild welcomes carers from all backgrounds, cultures, religions, genders, sexualities, and family structures. Whether you are single, partnered, employed, retired, have children, or are an empty nester, you may be able to become a foster carer.

You will also have:

• A suitable living space, including a spare bedroom.
• The ability to provide a stable and nurturing home environment.
• Patience, empathy, resilience, and a good sense of humour.
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn.
• A reliable support network of family and/or friends.
• Willingness to undergo comprehensive screening, assessment interviews, and training.

What’s in it for You?

This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape positive outcomes for children and young people while being supported every step of the way by OzChild’s experienced foster care team.

You will receive:

• Tax-free reimbursement payments to support the cost of caring.
• Comprehensive initial and ongoing training.
• 24/7 on-call support and guidance.
• Dedicated case management and professional support.
• Access to peer support networks and carer wellbeing programs.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference in a child’s life.

Next Steps

If you would like to know more about becoming a Foster Carer with OzChild and how you can help provide a safe and supportive home for a child or young person, please click “Apply Now”.