Frequently asked questions
What is foster care?
Foster care is a unique service to children and young people by caring households. When children are not able to live at home, for various reasons, we rely on caring people to open their homes.
Why do children need foster care?
Children and young people of all ages need a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow, learn and play. Sadly, birth parents may not be able to provide this environment if they are struggling with mental illness, drug or alcohol dependence, domestic violence, or special circumstances where they are unable to meet the child’s day to day needs.
What do foster carers do?
Foster carers provide a stable, supportive and nurturing home environment which helps provide a child security while being separated from their parents. The specifics of a foster carers role largely depends on the type of care they are registered to provide. In general, a foster carer is responsible for meeting a child’s day to day needs and providing both positive and emotional support.
I am single. Can I still be a carer?
Absolutely! You do not have to be in a relationship to be a foster carer. Your ability to care, nurture and give guidance to children and young people is what matters.
We are a couple in a de facto relationship. Can we become carers?
Absolutely! Couples living together or married, including same sex couples, can all apply to become carers. We work with you to determine and assess your household’s ability to provide a child or a young person with a stable and nurturing home environment.
Do I have to be a parent to become a carer?
No. We will talk with you about other ways that you can demonstrate your ability and confidence in working with children. We also host training sessions throughout our assessment for you to attend and ask any questions you may have along the way.
I do not own my own home. Can I still apply?
Yes! We are not concerned about your assets, but we would like you to demonstrate that you can provide safe and adequate accommodation where a child can live, play and sleep and that you are financially capable of supporting a child.
Does a foster child or young person need his/her own bedroom?
Sometimes. The answer to this question is not black and white and largely depends on the needs of the individual child. A room for safe and comfortable sleeping can be shared with other children if appropriate.
I work full-time. Can I still become a foster carer?
Yes. Many parents successfully balance the demands of caring for a family with their employment, and many foster carers can too. Carers can be employed full-time, part-time or unemployed.
We are happy to talk with you about what type of care might be the most appropriate for your current routine and lifestyle. Regardless of your employment status we will ask you to demonstrate your ability to meet the day to day needs of a child or young person.
If I am a registered carer do I receive a financial allowance?
Yes. All registered carers receive a carer allowance. This allowance is intended to cover the basic costs of caring for the child but is not considered a source of personal income.
As an LCC foster carer what can I expect?
As a foster carer at Lutheran Community Care you can expect to be treated respectfully and compassionately. We endeavor to answer your call within four rings and practice transparent communication with you. We also provide a 24/hour support service to you so that you can provide the best possible support to the children or young person in your care.
In return we ask for your transparency, communication and team work as we work together to determine what is in the best interest of the child/ren.
Do I need to be Lutheran to be an LCC foster carer?
No, you do not need any religious affiliation to join Lutheran Community Care. Our concern is the quality of care you can offer a child or young person who may be placed with you and live in your home.
To what extent does the Lutheran Church influence LCC Foster Care?
As a faith-based organisation we hold the same vision and values as the Lutheran Church. Our core values are Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Humility, Faithfulness and Trust. These values guide how we conduct our services to you, our relationship with the Department of Child Protection (DCP), and the children placed in our care.
