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 Long-term Foster Carers for children and teenagers, between the ages of 0 to 17 years old.

There are different ways a child or young person can have a safe, loving and permanent home. These are called permanency pathways and can involve caring for a child or teenager for longer than six months up to many years. If a child or young person cannot return to their family for whatever reason, there are a range of permanent options to ensure that they feel safe and supported.

Permanent pathways include:

Long-term care

Where children and teenagers live in long-term care with dedicated Carers for more than two years.

Guardianship

A long-term Foster Carer may apply to become a Guardian through an application to the Children’s Court. If approved, the Carer has legal responsibility of caring for the child or young person until they reach adulthood.

Open Adoption

A Long-term Foster Carer may apply to adopt a child or teenager in their care though the Children’s Court. If approved, the child becomes a legal member of the Carers family providing a safe and loving home for life.

Relative or Kinship Care

Where a child or teenager lives with a relative or someone they know through family and/or community connections.

Every child and teenager has a right and deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, happy, nurturing and permanent home.

Children and teenagers in need of long-term 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 may not have received the care, nurture, love and support they need to thrive.

Being a Long-term Foster Carer comes with a range of responsibilities, and unique challenges. However, the rewards can far outweigh the challenges.

Who can become a Long-term 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 Long-term 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 young people 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.