Become a foster or kinship carer

If you are interested in becoming a foster or kinship carer in the Northern Territory (NT), read below to find out what is involved.

Why children need care

Sometimes a parent or caregiver is not able to provide the care and protection a child needs to be safe and thrive.

When there are concerns for a child's safety, the Department of Children and Families may:

• place the child in a safe environment for a period of time while the situation is assessed
• apply to the court for a protection order to place the child with a carer for a longer period of time.

What carers do

Carers play an important role in the lives of children and young people while they are in care.

As a carer you help to meet a child's developmental, health and emotional needs at a time when they are most vulnerable. You can support them to grow strong and resilient, in a safe and nurturing environment.

As a kinship or family carer you:

• are related to the young person in your care through blood, kinship, marriage or culture
• provide an environment where family, community and culture are valued and central to the child's safety, stability and development.

To find out more, read the following:

• carer information brochure PDF (1.2 MB)
• guide for carers PDF (5.1 MB)
• foster care current payment rate, on the Department of Children and Families website.

Types of care

Carers are needed for different types of care.

Emergency care

Children may need emergency care when there are concerns for their immediate safety. Emergency placements can happen at any time – during the day, evening or weekend.

Emergency carers need to be ready to look after children of different ages at short notice.

Respite care

Respite carers provide short-term care for children who are usually with other carers. This can be during school holidays, weekends or for a few hours during the week.

Respite care is usually planned in advance.

Short or long-term care

Under a court order, children may live with a carer for several months or longer.

The first priority is to help children return home to their parents or extended families.

When a child can't return home, long-term care may be needed to provide safety and stability.

Who can be a carer

Anyone can apply to be a carer in the NT.

Carers can be:

• single, married, or in a de facto relationship (including a same-sex relationships)
• parents or people without children
• over 18 years of age
• renting or owning their own home
• working full-time, part-time or unemployed.

You might be suited to be a carer if you:

• are patient and understanding
• can work with others
• relate well to children and young people
• have room for an extra person in your home
• can protect children and young people from harm
• can provide a safe, healthy and caring environment
• can work as part of a team committed to achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.

You may be suited to being a family or kinship carer if you are related to a child in care through blood, kinship, marriage or culture.

How to apply

You can apply online, by email or by contacting a carer service.

Online

Apply through CARE Services.

You will be contacted to discuss your application.

Email

Fill in a carer expression of interest form and email it to becomeacarer@nt.gov.au.

Carer expression of interest form PDF (112.7 KB)
Carer expression of interest form DOCX (59.3 KB)

Carer services

Foster and Kinship Carers Association NT
Call 1800 367 837 (1800 FOSTER).

Aboriginal Carer Services

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kinship and foster carers can contact the following Aboriginal services or the Foster and Kinship Carers Association NT.

Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation
Call 08 8997 2111 or email minbanibebe@larrakia.com.

Yalu Aboriginal Corporation
Call 08 8970 5155 or email intake@yalu.org.au.

Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation
Call 08 8951 4222 or email kinshipcare@tangentyere.org.au.

Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council
Call 08 8958 2308 or email cap.teamleader@npywc.org.au.

Kalano Community Association Aboriginal Corporation
Call 08 8918 6130 or email kalanokinship@kalano.org.au.

Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation
Call 08 8962 2699 or email cfss@julalikari.com.au.