Common misconceptions about foster care
In Victoria, there are almost 11,000 children who cannot live safely at home. More foster carers are urgently needed in Victoria to provide a safe, nurturing home.
To get started with foster care, you must be over 21, have a spare bedroom and be able to provide a safe home environment.
There are common myths and misconceptions about foster care. Did you know you can be a carer if you're single or part of the LGBTIQA+ community?
Common myths
I'm single
We need families in all shapes and sizes – and you certainly don’t need to be a couple or married to be able to care for a child or young person. We welcome enquiries from single young people and older people.
I work full-time
You can be a carer and work full-time. Like many other families, there are lots of foster families where the carer or carers work full-time or part-time. The most important thing about being a foster carer is about providing a safe and stable home for children and young people.
I am from the LGBTIQA+ community
Providing a safe, stable home and caring for a child is what makes a family, not the gender or relationship status of the carers. As an organisation we openly embrace LGBTIQA+ foster carers. If you can provide a caring home, we want to hear from you.
I'm a renter
You do need to provide a child with their own bedroom or a bedroom to share for a group of siblings, but other than that, as long as your home is safe for children, it’s suitable.
I don't have my own children
You're not on your own. Parenting experience isn't required to become a foster carer. The important thing is to be prepared to learn along the way by being part of team. You'll receive training and support throughout.
I don't have time
Being a foster carer doesn’t mean staying home all day every day - lots of our foster carers work full-time. We need carers to provide all kinds of care, whether it be overnight emergency, short term, long term or respite care for children. We'll work with you to provide a suitable placement.
Get started
For more information about becoming a foster carer:
- fill out our foster care enquiry form or
- come to a foster care information session.