Children and young people in care

There are a range of reasons children and young people come into care, but whatever the reason, what they all need is a stable and nurturing environment in which to live.

We don’t just want our children and young people to survive their childhood, we want them to thrive into their adult lives – and our foster carers play a key role in achieving this.

Take a look at how two young people with a care experience describe the impact their carers have had on their lives.

Foster carers

Foster carers play a vital role in changing the lives of vulnerable children and young people through providing support, nurturing, guidance and love.

Our carers often tell us that making the decision to help vulnerable children and young people, and providing them with a loving home has been one of the best decisions they’ve ever made.

It could be one of the best decisions of your life too. 

Could you be a foster carer?

There are a number of foster care options available. Some are long-term, full-time arrangements while other foster carers provide support for short term placements.

Foster carers come from all walks of life. You may be single, partnered or married; with or without your own children. You may even be related to the child who has entered care, and are willing to provide a safe and nurturing environment that is familiar to them.

We are also always looking for Aboriginal people from metropolitan, regional, rural and remote locations across Western Australia who may be interested in becoming foster carers.

We will assess your maturity, health and lifestyle, and your ability work as part of a care team to provide a caring environment for a child in your care.

There are several steps undertaken as part of the application and approval process to become a foster carer. Training is also provided for all applicants who are screened and assessed as suitable.

More information

Following the State Government’s easing of social gathering restrictions, face-to-face foster care information sessions have resumed. Appropriate protocols will be in place to support physical distancing to ensure the health and wellbeing of attendees.

Please access the yearly calendar to find a foster care information session near you and RSVP to the local District Office you wish to attend.

If you live in the metropolitan area you must attend a foster care information session before you can apply to be a foster carer. The local District Office may provide the opportunity to attend in person or join the session online.

Information sessions in areas outside of the metropolitan area are variable. Please contact your local District Office for further information. If you are located in a regional area you may like to watch this online information session video or view the PowerPoint slides.

For more information please call 1800 182 178 to speak to one of our specialist foster carer recruitment officers, or download the information pack.

Information pack Metro locations Information sessions FAQs Other enquiries