Foster care options to suit you
Our foster carers are individuals and families across metropolitan Adelaide who open their homes in different ways.
Long-term care
Provide a stable home for a young person until they turn 18. Over time, you’ll build a strong bond and a lasting connection as they become part of your family.
Respite care
Offer short breaks for children already in long-term care. Whether it’s a weekend each month, a week during school holidays or the occasional overnight stay, your support can make a real difference.
As a foster carer, you will:
provide a safe, stable home where a child can feel secure and belong
support their wellbeing, development and everyday growth
work alongside Uniting Communities, the Department for Child Protection, birth families and other supports
stay open to learning through training and development
help maintain the child’s connection to family, culture and community
build resilience and seek support when needed
respond with care and sensitivity to each child’s unique needs.
Is foster care right for you?
Foster carers come from all walks of life. You might be single, in a relationship, with or without children, and renting or owning your home. What matters most is your ability to offer patience, understanding and consistency to a young person who needs it.
To become a foster carer, you’ll need a suitable home where each child has their own room. Long-term carers also need to be mentally and physically able to support a child through to independence.
You’re not in this alone
We’ll support you every step of the way. When you apply, we’ll guide you through the process with the information, training and support you need to feel confident. As we get to know you and your family, we’ll work together to find the type of care that’s the right fit.
Many children in foster care have experienced trauma, abuse or neglect. You won’t be doing this alone – we’ll work alongside you, providing ongoing support to help you respond to their emotional and behavioural needs with care and confidence.
Practical support for your fostering journey
To help you feel supported and equipped in your role as a foster carer, you’ll have access to ongoing training, a supportive network and a tax-free allowance to help cover the costs of caring for a child.
We provide:
24/7 phone support whenever you need it
a dedicated social worker as your main point of contact
a Kids Engagement Worker to support you
regular home visits
ongoing training to build your skills and confidence
a tax-free allowance
support to access relevant Centrelink benefits.
Steps to becoming a foster carer
Becoming a foster carer usually takes around four to six months. It includes checks to make sure you, your home, and your support network are ready to provide a safe and stable environment.
Here’s what the process looks like:
Enquiry
Thinking about foster care? Get in touch on 08 8202 5190 or enquire online. We’ll answer your questions and guide you through the next steps, including your application.Home visit
We’ll visit you at home so you can get to know us, ask questions and learn more about what fostering involves and how we support you.Assessment
Over 8-10 visits, we’ll work with you to prepare for the role and understand your strengths, experiences and readiness to become a foster carer.Training
You’ll complete the ‘Shared Stories Shared Lives’ course, giving you practical skills and insight into foster care.Approval
Once approved, we’ll work closely with you to find the right placement for your home.Ongoing support
Your journey doesn’t stop there. We’ll continue to support you every step of the way as you begin fostering.
Frequently asked questions
You may find these resources helpful:
We offer foster care services within the Adelaide Metropolitan area only, as defined by South Australia’s Department for Child Protection. If you live outside this area, please visit sa.gov.au to find services in your local region that can support your foster care journey.
Enquire about Foster Care
