Our Awlad Community Response Project calls on the Muslim community to open their homes and provide culturally safe care to children who may have, for a period of time, been disconnected from their Muslim faith.
MacKillop Family Services is proud to be supporting Muslim carers to care for children who, for period of time, cannot live safely at home. MacKillop recognises the strength of the Muslim faith and community and is humbled by the support of Muslim leaders to encourage the community to consider opening their hearts to a child in need of a safe and loving home.
MacKillop is committed to children growing up with their culture and faith, and is seeking Muslim individuals and families who can support this connection for Muslim children in care.
Being a foster carer can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. Many different types of people can become foster carers. You don’t need to be a married couple, or own a big house. You can provide care for a weekend, a few weeks, a few months or even years. You choose the period that suits you.
MacKillop foster carers receive comprehensive training, ongoing support and financial assistance, to ensure children receive the best care. Find out more in our videos below.
If you’re of Muslim faith, and interested in being a foster carer, please email awlad@mackillop.org.au or call 03 8398 6832. We’ll get in touch with you to answer all your questions.
Enquire now
Join an information session
Our information sessions are an opportunity to find out what’s involved in becoming a foster carer, to learn more about the process, and to ask our expert staff any questions you might have. Each information session runs for one hour and is held virtually through Zoom. Please register to attend by completing the form below.
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 26 March | 5:00pm - 6:00pm |
| Tuesday 4 April | 12:00pm - 1:00pm |
| Wednesday 23 April | 6:00pm - 7:00pm |
| Wednesday 7 May | 12:00pm - 1:00pm |
| Thursday 22 May | 6:00pm - 7:00pm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Have further questions about Foster Care?
We’ve sought to answer these below. However, if you’re interested to find out more, contact us for a chat. If you’re interested to progress further, we can arrange for you to attend an information session.
How long do children stay with foster carers?
There is flexibility within the foster care system, and foster carers can choose the type of support they provide. This informs the length of time children stay in their care. The types of foster care are:
- Long term care
Long term carers provide much needed stability, safety and security for a vulnerable child or young person who cannot return home for a longer period, if at all. They may need support for a period of years, or until they reach adulthood. - Short term care
Short term carers generally care for a child for between one month to two years. There is usually a plan in place for the child to rejoin his or her birth parents or guardians, who receive support to improve their ability to care for their child. - Emergency care
Emergency carers care for children when their safety is at immediate risk. For this reason, emergency carers are often called on at short notice. The child stays for a short period (sometimes only one night) while a care plan is developed and a longer term placement can be found. - Part-time Care (Respite care)
Part-time carers provide planned care for a child for a short period, typically one or two weekends a month. Part-time carers provide crucial support for the child’s parents, guardians or regular foster carers, by giving them a break. Respite carers allow the child to experience a different home environment.
Is foster care allowed in Islam?
Foster care is accepted in Islam. It is different to adoption which is prohibited in Islam. There are Islamic teachings that emphasise the importance of taking care of orphans and providing them with a loving and supportive environment.
The Quran, for example, encourages the care and support of orphans. It also highlights the virtues of providing for orphans and treating them with kindness and compassion.
Can a non-Muslim foster parent care for a Muslim child?
In an ideal world, a Muslim foster cares for a Muslim child. However, if all reasonable efforts have been exhausted, and there is no alternative but to place the child with a non-Muslim foster carer, it is allowed. The primary goal is to ensure that the child is placed in a nurturing, culturally sensitive, secure, and supportive environment.
How can I look after a child who has reached puberty if I am not their Mahram (someone closely related by blood or marriage)?
In Islam, it is permissible to care for a child who is not your Mahram and has reached puberty, however specific guidelines need to be followed. The primary goal remains the wellbeing of the child, creating a secure and culturally sensitive environment.
Are there any specific training or supports available for Muslim foster carers?
The training provided by Mackillop Family Services is culturally sensitive and tailored for this community response project. The team behind this project are ready and willing to provide further support, and our partnerships with the Islamic Society of Victoria (Preston Mosque) can provide additional support.
Do you need to have a big house and own your own home to be a foster carer?
Foster carers can rent or own their own home. While you don’t need a big house, we do require you to have a spare room where the child or sibling group can stay. We also require that sleeping arrangements are age appropriate and meet the child’s individual needs.
Do you need parenting experience to be a foster carer?
Children and young people in foster care need stability and support – anyone can provide this. If you have concerns about your experience with children just remember that you will be provided training to ensure you are well equipped and prepared to welcome a child into your home.
