I have always wanted to support my community and foster care really aligned with that desire. In choosing a coordinator and network to guide me through the process and begin fostering, Baptcare has proven to provide the best supportive environment for me.
Baptcare’s foster care services in Tasmania
We get it – becoming a foster carer is a huge decision. Foster care is challenging and immensely rewarding. And, we want you to make the right choice for you and your loved ones, so from your first enquiry we offer you support and guidance – no matter the final result.
Start the conversation today.
Call Michelle on 0417 196 605
Or email us: fostercareTAS@baptcare.org.au
More information on foster care
What can Baptcare do for you?
Below is a list of our value standards:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Baptcare?
Baptcare is a not-for-profit community organisation dedicated to helping people through providing care, life skills and opportunities for independence and self-determination. We are a QIP (Quality Innovation Performance Limited is a not-for-profit health promotion charity with more than twenty years’ experience in community service accreditation and more than ten years’ experience in primary and secondary health care accreditation and related services.accredited service provider and are proud of the work we do to aid and improve our communities.
Where does Baptcare operate Foster and Kinship Care services?
Baptcare’s Foster and Kinship Care services are currently offered in Victoria and Tasmania. In Victoria we operate in Western Melbourne, and parts of North Melbourne, while in Tasmania our services cover the entire state. For more information, please see our pages on ‘Foster Care in Victoria’ and ‘Foster Care in Tasmania’.
Can I work with children from my culture?
Where possible, we aim to support placements within cultures. Being able to speak the same language as a young person can have positive outcomes. Children’s wellbeing is enhanced by learning and understanding their culture, and your ability to help teach a child about their cultural heritage is highly valued.
What do I need to do to become a foster carer?
The amount of time it takes to become accredited as a foster carer really depends on your availability, and your location (requirements vary from state to state) but on average it takes between three and six months. During this time, you will undergo police and working with children checks, as well as complete training on caring for children in foster care. You’ll be guided through the process every step of the way. We understand if at any stage you decide foster caring isn’t for you, or the timing just isn’t right – there are no hard feelings.
To learn more about becoming a foster carer, see our page ‘Steps to Becoming A Foster Carer’
How does it work if I have children of my own?
Many of our carers have children of their own and are accredited based on the best fit for their family. We provide information and training to your all household members, including biological children. Fostering can be a wonderful learning experience for the whole family.
What kind of support or assistance will I receive?
You’ll be guided personally through the application process by one of our staff and once accredited, you’ll have 24/7 support. You will also have access to continual training relevant to the needs of the young person you are caring for. For more information visit the Foster Care Association of Victoria or Foster and Kinship Carers Association of Tasmania .
Will I receive financial assistance?
Every placement is different, but carers do receive a standard carer reimbursement payment. There may be extra allowances depending on the needs of the child.
For more information visit Victorian Government DFFH or Department for Education, Children and Young People
Do I get a say in the children I foster?
You’re accredited based on the age, gender and type of care you choose to provide, and our case workers will always call you to discuss a placement before it goes ahead.
On average, how long does a child stay with you?
The length of time a child stays with you will depend on your level of accreditation and current circumstances. For example, if you’re accredited for respite care a child may stay with you for one weekend a month. If it’s for emergency it could be overnight or longer, depending on your availability.
What happens if I can no longer do the role, or need to take a break?
We understand that personal circumstances can change. Sometimes our carers take time off, move interstate or focus on having children of their own. It’s as simple as making a call to your case worker to discuss your needs.
What are the foster care service standards?
Just as you have been screened and assessed as a suitable carer, we are assessed and monitored by the Government to ensure we are a suitable organisation to care for children. You might hear this process referred to as licensing, accreditation, registration, or certification.
Service Standards
The criteria for the licensing of a foster care service vary between states, but mainly focus on the ability to:
* Provide information to children, particularly about accessibility, policies and procedures, complaints, and appeals processes
* Ensure children participate in decisions affecting them, and are involved in services they receive
* Uphold the rights of children
* Keep children connected to family, and involve families in their children’s lives
* Keep children connected to their culture and identity
* Comply with standards for care environments
* Recruit, assess, train, approve, support, monitor, and supervise carers
* Manage children’s records
* Maintain records about carers, employees, contractors, and volunteers
* Maintain reporting systems, particularly breaches of standards and incidents involving harm to children
* Meet guidelines relating to financial management