Empowering foster children, nurturing our caregivers. 

We offer comprehensive training through our "Getting Ready to Start" program. This training covers all the information you need to get started as a foster carer. It is delivered through group training sessions, either in person or virtually, and if needed, we can provide one-on-one training as well. 

As a foster or kinship carer, it's important to continuously learn and grow. Our "Starting Out" training is completed in the first year of fostering, and we also provide opportunities for continuous learning on various topics. These may include youth mental health, brain development, and cyber safety, among others.

You will have a dedicated Case Worker in our Foster Care team who will be there to support you throughout your journey. You can approach your Case Worker with any questions or concerns you may have. They will visit you in your home, or speak to you over the phone, and provide targeted support based on your individual circumstances. This could include:

• Discussions and debriefing about recent situations
• Support in identifying the needs of the children and young people in your care
• Assistance with your learning and development
• Guidance on compliance requirements and home safety
• Provision of resources and tools you need
• General support and advice.

As a foster or kinship carer, you will receive the Queensland Government's foster carer allowance. Additionally, there are other allowances available depending on the specific needs of the child or young person in your care. We also provide a Carer Business Discount Card, which offers retail discounts across Queensland. 

We understand the importance of connecting with other foster carers who share similar experiences. That's why we help foster carers in the same region connect with each other. This allows you to create a support network where you can share stories and find solutions together. 

We know that emergencies can happen at any time. That's why we offer a 24/7 Carer Line that you can contact in case of emergencies or if you need urgent support with a child's behaviour or need to report an incident. 

To ensure that every carer has a voice, we have established a State-wide Carer Reference Group. This group consists of a carer from each of our state-wide services and provides valuable input on our practices, service delivery, and support. We consult with this group on various matters, including internal procedures, child protection issues, legislation, and protocols. The feedback and insights from this group are shared in interagency and Departmental meetings across the state, ensuring that the voices of Churches of Christ Foster and Kinship Carers are heard. 

We understand that being a foster or kinship carer can be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. We want to express our gratitude for your tireless efforts and the care you provide to children and young people. That's why we host an annual carer appreciation dinner as a way to say "thank you" for all that you do.