Become a foster or kinship carer

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apply to be a carer online, by email, mail or phone.

Applications are managed by the Foster and Kinship Carers Association NT.

Online

Apply through CARE Services. This is the preferred option.

You will be contacted to discuss your application.

Email or mail

Fill in a carer expression of interest form.

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

Email your form to becomeacarer@nt.gov.au or mail it to:

Department of Children and Families
Families Programs
PO Box 37037
Winnellie NT 0821

Phone

Call 1800 367 837 (1800 FOSTER) and get help with completing the form.