About Us

For over 60 years CatholicCare has been dedicated to working with the whole community to deliver support services and programs that meet the needs of children, young people, individuals, and families across the Hunter and Manning regions.

CatholicCare are actively seeking Emergency Carers for children and teenagers who need somewhere safe to stay for usually between 1 night up to 4 weeks. The call for emergency care can happen anytime; at 6am or 10pm or even during weekends.

Children and teenagers in need of emergency care come into care through no fault of their own. Most come from complex situations and have experienced some form of trauma, loss or grief and need to feel safe and secure at what is likely to be a stressful and difficult time for them.

Who can become an Crisis Foster Carer?

We welcome applications from people regardless of gender, culture, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Young or old, with or without children, single people, de facto and married couples; everyone is different and brings their unique experiences to this important role.

There are no upper age limits to become a Carer; you need to be older than 18 years old, be fit and healthy and able to care for a child or teenager in your care.

It doesn’t matter if you rent or own your own home, or whether you live in an apartment or house. You need to be able to demonstrate that you can provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home and you have the right values and attributes that are important and beneficial for supporting children and young people.

What support do our Emergency Foster Carers receive?

Our Carers are never alone on their caring journey. It is so important our Carers feel supported, connected, and confident in their role.

Financial support

Foster Carers receive a tax-free allowance to support the day-to-day needs of the child or teenager in their care.

Comprehensive training

We provide our Carers with a range of learning and development opportunities suited to their level of experience and the needs of the child or young person in their care.

On-call after hours support

Carers have access to on-call support at any time of the day or night for advice, help and support.

Specialist clinical services and support

We work with a team of specialists who support children and teenagers to improve their health and wellbeing including providing counselling sessions, clinical assessments and behaviour support across the Hunter and Mid-Coast regions.

Carer social support and networking

We have regular Carer events and create opportunities for Carers to openly express their opinions, share their stories, celebrate their successes, and access positive peer support.

If you have the desire to provide a safe, supportive, caring home-based environment for children or teenagers who truly need it and are able to open your heart and home, you can become a Foster Carer.

CatholicCare wants Foster Carers who can bring kindness, respect, resilience, patience and compassion into the lives of children and teenagers who need it the most. Can you be the one person to make a difference to the life of a child or young person in need?

Additional Information

CatholicCare Social Service Hunter Manning is a child safe organisation, committed to the protection of children and has zero-tolerance of any abuse of children. All volunteers are required to undergo a National Police Check, a Community Services Check and retain a valid Working with Children Check and comply with our Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.