Part-Time and Short Break Foster Care

Part-time foster care and short break foster care gives children a safe temporary home while also allowing foster carers time to rest and recharge.

Part-time foster care (NSW and VIC) and short break foster care (WA), (previously known as respite foster care) gives children a safe temporary home while also allowing foster carers time to rest and recharge. At MacKillop Family Services, we believe this type of care strengthens long-term placements by balancing the needs of both children and carers. Thanks to MacKillop, families across Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia have access to the part-time foster care support they need.

What is part-time foster care?

Definition and purpose

Part-time foster care is short-term support, often for a night, weekend, or school holiday, that allows children to stay in a safe environment while their foster family takes a break. This makes foster care placements more sustainable in the long term and encourages more people to become a foster carer.

How part-time foster care differs from full-time foster care

Full-time placements involve daily guardianship until adulthood, while part-time foster care is intentionally flexible. Carers may step in for an occasional weekend or provide holiday care, both of which sit within the broader types of foster care offered by MacKillop.

Why children need part-time care

Children may benefit from part-time care when regular carers are unwell, have family commitments, or simply need time to recharge. These arrangements protect children’s mental and emotional stability and are supported by MacKillop’s strong network of foster care support, which ensures placements remain healthy.

Who can become a part-time foster carer?

Basic requirements and eligibility

Applicants must be at least 21, provide a safe home, and pass checks such as police and Working With Children clearances. Inclusivity is central, and more detail on eligibility is set out under who can be a foster carer.

Do you need special training?

Training is part of the steps to becoming a foster carer, with preparation before approval and workshops continuing once caring begins. Topics include trauma awareness, child development, and safe household practices.

Qualities of a good part-time foster carer

Patience, empathy, and adaptability are essential qualities, since children may arrive feeling unsettled and need carers who can quickly build trust and provide a safe environment.

What to expect as a part-time foster carer

Duration of care and flexibility

Placements may be as short as one night or extend through the school holidays. This level of flexibility means part-time foster care suits people who want to contribute without committing to full-time care.

Types of children you may support

Children needing part-time care come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are part of sibling groups while others have additional needs. MacKillop’s local teams carefully match carers and children to ensure the right support is in place.

Common responsibilities during part-time care

Part-time carers provide meals, maintain routines, and follow existing care plans to ensure consistency. These expectations are covered in detail during foster care information sessions.

Support and benefits for part-time foster carers

Training and ongoing development

MacKillop provides part-time foster carers with all the training and development they need both before and after becoming carers.

Financial support and allowances

Part-time foster care allowances cover the costs incurred during placements, easing financial pressure and allowing carers to focus on care.

Emotional and peer support networks

Carers join networks and mentoring groups where they can share experiences, receive encouragement, and feel part of a community that understands the rewards and challenges of fostering.

Other types of foster care

Permanent foster care

Children who cannot return to their birth families may be placed in permanent foster care, which is a type of foster care that provides lifelong stability. This pathway, unlike part-time care, is designed for carers who can take on day-to-day guardianship until adulthood.

Permanent Foster Care

Kinship foster care

When children can no longer live with their parents, kinship foster care gives priority to relatives or extended family members. This option keeps children connected to their identity and culture, making it a vital part of the overall foster care system.

Kinship Care

Short-term foster care

Some children need care for a few weeks or months while long-term plans are made. Short-term foster care works alongside part-time care arrangements to provide safe, stable homes during periods of transition.

Short-Term Foster Care

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FAQs about part-time foster care

Is it easier to become a part-time foster carer than full-time?

The approval process is the same, though part-time care requires less ongoing commitment after approval.

Can I work while being a part-time carer?

Yes. Many carers balance employment with foster care because placements can be scheduled around availability.

How often do carers provide part-time care?

Some carers welcome children monthly, while others provide part-time care during holidays or specific weekends, depending on their circumstances.

What support is available for carers’ families?

Professional advice, training, and peer networks extend to the whole household, and are all key features of MacKillop’s approach to foster care support. Learn more about the support we provide to foster carers.

How to apply to become a part-time foster carer

Step-by-step application process

Applications begin with an enquiry and attendance at foster care information sessions. From there, carers need to complete training and assessment as described in the steps to become a foster carer.

Background checks and approvals

Carers must complete police and Working With Children checks, provide references, and undergo home safety assessments.

Training and matching process

Once approved, carers complete training tailored to short-term placements and are matched with children whose needs align with their skills.