You don’t have to own a big home, live a lavish lifestyle, or earn a huge wage.
To become a foster carer, you just need to provide a safe and caring environment.
Samaritans provides foster care in Newcastle, the Central Coast and Mudgee through its Permanency Support Program (PSP).
Foster carers offer support for children in need for various reasons, including families being unable to keep them safe for short or long periods of time.
Here’s what two of our foster carers have to say about their experience:
“You don’t have to be rich or own a big house to be a foster carer, just be able to give a child a caring home.”
“Seeing the smiles on their faces, the love and the warmth that you get from them. The joy of having them in your life. A beautiful gift of bringing up a family member. It’s made my family complete.”
Foster carers come from all walks of life. You don’t have to be extraordinary – you just have to care.
Samaritans is looking for people and families with a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
From individuals, traditional families, single parents, same sex couples, retired people.
This allows us to meet the individual needs of children.
As a foster carer, you will be supported with a range of training options that will ensure you have the skills to care and nurture a foster child. This is at no cost to you.
In addition to the training, you will receive support from our team, including regular contact, via phone, home visits, and emergency support.
Foster carers receive a fortnightly allowance based on the age of the child. This assists with the cost to feed, clothe, educate, and meet the needs of the child.
The type of foster care includes:
- Emergency or crisis care
- Respite care
- Short to medium term care
- Long term or permanent care.
You can register your interest here.