Foster Care is non-institutional home-based care, provided by volunteer caregivers in their own homes, for children and young people who for a variety of reasons are temporarily unable to be cared for by their families.
Foster care is the placement of children within positive family settings where safety, nurture, love and contact with their natural families are provided. It is the fulfilment of these needs which allow children to grow and develop both socially and emotionally.
THE TYPES OF FOSTER CARE OFFERED BY MACKILLOP INCLUDE:
a) RESPITE FOSTER CARE:
b) RECEPTION FOSTER CARE:
Children may be placed in reception foster care whilst on a Safe Custody Order. The child(ren) remain with the caregiver until a decision is made for their future, by the Department of Human Services and the Children's Court.
c) PRE-ADOPTIVE FOSTER CARE:
Whilst a family or parent is considering giving consent for their child(ren) to be adopted, the child can be placed in pre-adoptive foster care for a period of time.
d) SHORT-TERM FOSTER CARE:
Short-term placements may extend up to six months, and are designed to give families time in which to resolve their difficulties so that the child(ren) may return home.
e) LONG-TERM FOSTER CARE:
This type of care is generally used when family difficulties appear to be complex and unable to be resolved in the short-term. They are planned placements and may extend up to two years, after which time it is expected that the children will return home. During this time, children will have access with their natural family. Most children in long-term foster care are under the legal custody of the State.
f) SPECIALISED HOME BASED CARE:
More intense and highly supported home based care for children with high needs and/or challenging behaviours.
f) LONG TERM PLANNED FAMILY PLACEMENT:
Some children are unable to return to live with their families and remain in care for more than two years. These children are generally, but not always under the legal custody of the State.
WHAT ARE THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN WHO USE FOSTER CARE?
Children in foster care have the same needs as other children ........ and a few more besides. They need to belong. The sense of belonging is important to all of us and particularly so for children in care who may not have had a positive experience of this in the past. They may feel sensitive about being in foster care. Their feelings may be mixed - they may feel disloyal to their parent(s). They may feel confused or a sense of grief and loss. They may be distressed or withdrawn, or exhibit difficult behaviour. All feelings need to be treated seriously and with consideration. A social worker is always available to talk things over with you.
CONTACT BETWEEN CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS:
Wherever possible, children have regular contact with their parents. This is because children need to retain an understanding of their identity, and to feel that they have not been abandoned by their parent(s). Parents also need to know their child(ren) are being well cared for.
SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS OFFERED BY THE AGENCY:
The social workers try to provide as much information, assistance and support, as is necessary for both the child(ren) and caregiver(s) to settle into the new situation and maintain the placement. This may involve anything from information about allergies and medical problems to understanding why a child behaves in a particular way.
An on-call worker is available 24 hours to assist in times of crisis or complex issues, to provide support and assistance.
Further support is offered through the opportunity of participation in the Foster Parents Association. This is a small group who meet regularly to provide support, encouragement and helpful information to fellow foster caregivers.
FINANCIAL REIMBURSEMENT:
Some financial reimbursement for normal day to day costs in the area of food, clothing and general expenses is made to foster caregivers by the Government. These reimbursements range from $153 - $313 per fortnight and are dependent upon the age of the child or young person.
LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP:
Children who are placed voluntarily in foster care remain under the legal guardianship of their own parents. Children who come under the custody of the State are under the legal guardianship of the Department of Human Services. |