MacKillop is seeking specialised foster carers in Western Australia to care for children and young people who have complex needs, challenging behaviours and trauma experience.
Specialised foster carers provide safe, stable and long-term care for children and young people aged up to 18 who have experience with trauma and require additional support. Children and young people in this program can display high risk-taking behaviour and so may not be able to be placed with younger children.
Specialised foster carers provide a high level of support to children and young people in their care and as such, are provided with financial support.
To apply, carers need:
- warmth and a dedication to help guide and care for a child or young person
- preferably at least one carer needs to be at home, but carers can be single or in a relationship
- preferably experience in supporting children and young people with complex behaviours and an understanding of trauma - people who may be interested may come from a broad range of backgrounds, jobs or career types - social services, youth services, teaching, mental health, nursing, community services, childcare, or other relevant experience
- carers can be of any religious, ethnic or language background, young, older, married, or single
Carer’s receive:
- a package of support which includes ongoing training, specialised training opportunities, access to a support worker, access to psychological and education services, access to mentors for the child or young person as necessary, after-hours support and regular respite
- financial support with higher subsidy payments – reflecting the more demanding needs and responsibility of the children and young people in care
- individual packages will be negotiated
All people wishing to apply to become a foster carer must be:
- an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- in good health
- willing to undertake a Working with Children check and Police Checks