If you could be a part-time foster carer and make a real difference in a young person’s life, would you do it? With flexible care options like fostering for just a week or the occasional weekend, and an urgent need for carers in Sydney, this episode busts all the common misconceptions that you might have about taking on this role.

Tim and Kylie from Uniting’s Permanency Support Program join Rachel and Sarah to bust some of the most common myths.

From who can foster, to the realities of what it takes, this conversation reveals the truth behind the myths that hold people back from making a difference. Get ready for an enlightening chat that’ll leave you feeling informed, inspired, and ready to challenge what you thought you knew about foster care!

Becoming a Uniting foster carer may be easier than you think

Being there for a vulnerable child or young person is both a privilege and a significant learning experience. While it’s not for everyone, there are many ways to become a foster carer, and it’s often less complicated than you may imagine. With Uniting’s support, you can start by offering occasional overnight or weekend care or open your home and your heart to a child who needs longer-term care.

Respite care gives full-time foster carers a break

Some people begin their foster care journey by offering regular periods of care for a child who already has a permanent placement with a foster family. Called respite care, it gives people a break from full-time caring while expanding children’s support networks. It can be a one-off arrangement, or maybe for one weekend a month.

Emergency care is another option to consider

Another essential way of supporting a child is to provide emergency care at short notice, giving someone who may be leaving a critical situation a safe place to stay until they can return home or until a more permanent place is found. This type of short-term care may also be needed when a child cannot move to another carer immediately. It may just be for an overnight stay or for a few months while alternative arrangements are made.

Uniting supports your foster care journey, every step of the way

With decades of experience supporting foster families, you’re in excellent hands for every step of your fostering journey – from enquiry to application and beyond. You’ll receive a non-taxable allowance for each child in your care, access 24/7 phone support, and connect with our community of carers for training and wraparound assistance. We value diversity of age, faith, gender and experience and warmly welcome all enquiries.

The right time is now

If you’ve ever considered helping a child or young person in need – full-time, part-time or sometime - now is the time to take action. Flexible care options that fit with your life and your family can also offer a gateway to discovering if this is something you’d like to do on a more regular or permanent basis.

Find out how you can foster your way with Uniting.

• Phone: 1800 864 846
• Email: ask@uniting.org
• Website: uniting.org/fostercare

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