Step 1: Information Pack
Step 2: Information Session
Step 3: Expression of Interest
Step 4: Home Visit
Step 5: Application and Screening
Step 6: Assessment
Step 7: Training
Step 8: Approval
Step 1: Study the Information Pack
• Still interested? Attend an Information Session.
• Unsure? Call Fostering Services 1800 024 453.
Step 2: Attend an Information Session
• Meet an experienced foster carer and Department staff.
• Ask questions
• Find out about different types of fostering.
When's the next metropolitan session?
(If you live in the country, call 1800 024 453 or email Fostering Services).
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Step 3: Expression of Interest
Once you and your family have decided to take the next step, please complete the Expression of Interest form. To complete the form online click here.
Step 4: Home Visit
• A Fostering Services worker will arrange to meet you and your family at home.
• This is a chance for us to learn more about you and your home, and for you to hear more about fostering.
• If you still want to go ahead, we’ll leave you an Application Form.
Step 5: Application and Screening
The Application Form asks for background details of you and your family.
Part of your application includes giving us permission to carry out police and Department checks, contact referees, and get a health report from your doctor.
Later, you’ll also need a Working with Children Card.
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Step 6: Assessment
The assessment starts after we have received some of the screening information.
We’ll visit you and your family several times at home.
This is when you decide the type of foster care you want to do, and what age and sex of child would fit best with your lifestyle.
We look at your ability to:
• work as part of a team
• respond to a foster child’s emotional, educational, psychological and physical needs
• provide a safe home,
• learn and develop as a carer.
Step 7: Training
Before being registered as a carer, you need to attend preparation training over 4 evenings and a Saturday. (Country areas have different arrangements.)
You’ll learn about why children enter care and the issues that they experience, as well as your and Department’s roles and responsibilities.
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Step 8: Approval
If you are approved, you will get a letter and be asked to sign an agreement with the Department.
This whole process can take about 6 months. It might seem a long time, and a bit intrusive, but we need all this information to make sure that you are suitable, safe and able to look after other people’s children.
If you are not approved, there are still ways you can help.
Maybe you can help with Foster Care camps, or volunteer in other ways.
To find out more, either call Fostering Services on 1800 024 452 or contact Volunteering WA.
And once I'm registered?...
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