Returning to foster care
We have streamlined processes for former foster carers to reduce the amount of time it takes to begin caring again.
What parts of the carer assessment will be streamlined?
- An assessment will still take place, but this will be informed by your last assessment that will be provided to your assessor. Depending upon when your last assessment or re-assessment occurred – and what changes may have occurred in your household since then – will determine how much time an assessor will need to spend with you.
- It is unlikely that you will have to attend training you have previously completed.
- Depending upon the period of time since you completed carer training, we will provide tailored advice to inform you about changes you need to be aware of since you stopped being a foster carer.
When could I expect to resume a caring role as a returning foster carer?
- You may begin caring again in as little as 6 weeks. The time will depend on the length of time you have not been a carer, if you and other adult members of your household have maintained or have a valid blue card, and if there have been any changes to your household since you were last an approved carer.
- Timeframes will also be subject to:
- your carer history, and
- the availability of assessors in your region to undertake the required assessment.
Will I still have to undertake personal history and criminal history checks?
- Yes. These checks will also be needed for any other adult household members.
- All adult household members also require a blue card.
What may have changed since I was last a foster carer?
- There have been some changes to carer assessments put in place after the Queensland Family and Child Commission undertook a review of the foster care system. Some previous discretionary checks are now mandatory and include:
- domestic violence
- traffic history.
More information
If you'd like to find out more about returning to foster care, call Queensland Foster and Kinship Care on 1300 550 877.