We aim to place children and young people with carers who can help them keep their cultural identity and connections.
We value placements with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families that can create and maintain positive cultural connections for these children while they are away from their families.
We welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander foster carers to work with us.
However, if you are interested in caring specifically for Aboriginal children and young people, or you would like to work specifically with an Aboriginal organisation, we encourage you to contact one of our Aboriginal partner organisations.
Victoria
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA)
340 Bell Street
Preston VIC 3072
Wathuarong Aboriginal Co-operative
62 Morgan Street
North Geelong VIC 3215
Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative
135 Kepler Street
Warrnambool VIC 3280
New South Wales
Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation Myimbarr OOHC
335 Crown Street
Wollongong NSW 2500
South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation
38–44 Berry Street
Nowra 2541
Western Australia
Woolkabunning Kiaka
575 Seven Hills Road,
Roelands WA 6266
Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (WMHSAC)
17 Hamilton Road
South Hedland WA 6722
08 9172 0444
Frequently asked questions about foster care
Do I need to have a spare bedroom?
Yes. It’s important that children coming into a foster carer’s home have their own space. We require carers to have one spare bedroom that has a window and door. The only exception to this is when caring for babies under the age of 18 months.
Can I apply to foster babies but not older children?
Yes, however there needs to be a full time carer at home with the baby. This is important because babies have already experienced the trauma of separation from their family, so placing them in childcare is not in their best interest.
I’m only interested in adoption or permanent care. Is this an option?
This depends on whether you’re located in Victoria, NSW or WA as the legislation varies between states.
In Victoria, foster care is geared towards reuniting children with their birth families. If you’re interested in adoption or permanent care in Victoria you’re best to contact Fostering Connections on 1800 013 088 to ask about agencies which provide permanent care options.
Foster care in WA operates very similar to how it does in Victoria. If you’re interested in adoption or permanent care, please contact the Department of Child Protection (DCP) on 1800 182 178. There are options for permanent care or guardianship in NSW with MacKillop. Please enquire online or call us on 1300 791 677 to find out more.
What training do I have to do?
If you have a partner, both of you will need to complete training with MacKillop. This involves two full days of classroom hours.
What happens after training?
Training is followed by an assessment period where MacKillop staff come to your home to discuss a series of topics to determine if you are suitable to provide care to vulnerable children and young people. The assessment phase usually entails 3-5 interviews in your home.
I’m interested in foster care but I’m single and work full time?
Whether you’re in a relationship or single is not important. Whether you can provide a safe and loving home is the most important thing. Working full time is not a barrier to becoming a foster carer, however some flexibility with your work is required.
I am a member of the LGBTIQA+ community. Can I be a foster carer?
Yes. We welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse and intersex people at our services. Children in care may also identify as LGBTIQA+ and require carers who are understanding, accepting and nurturing of their identity.