Foster Carers in New South Wales
If something serious happens to the child or young person in your care or if you think a child or young person is at risk of significant harm from abuse or neglect, call the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The internet is a useful source of information for out-of-home carers. This page contains links to Commonwealth, state and territory, and non-government information, supports and services that may be useful to you.
Go to National Support and Services to find out what Commonwealth and non-government support you may be eligible for.
Find the answer to Frequently Asked Questions about Australian Government support.
New South Wales Government reimbursements, information and support for foster carers
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- NSW Foster Care – Information for foster, kinship and relative carers living in NSW.
- Caring for Kids (PDF) – The new guide for foster, relative and kinship carers in NSW
Legal Information and assistance
Information to help you raise the children in your care
- Parentline NSW – A free, professional telephone service to help you with raising children aged 0 to 18 years. Call 1300 1300 52 to speak to someone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Careline – If you have any problems raising a child aged 0 to 5 years, you can call 1300 CARING (1300 227 464) right now for professional help.
- Raising Foster Children – Help with the day-to-day decisions of raising children who are not your own, and also help to look after yourself.
- Parenting Information – Tips and guides on raising children.
- Healthy Kids – Information and ideas about physical activity and healthy eating for children and young people.
Information for children and young people in care
- Are you in care? – Find out more about the support available to children and young people during and after their time in care.
- CREATE – Find out about services and support for children in care, including about how to get an Entering Care Kit.
Carer supports
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Connecting Carers NSW – Supports foster, relative and kinship carers by providing a 24 hour helpline; advice, information and referral to other services and networks; and peer support activities and training. Call
1300 794 653.
- Absec – The NSW non-government body for Aboriginal families and children involved in child protection. Call 1800 888 698 for the Aboriginal Foster Care Advice Line and Support Groups.
- Foster Parents Support Network of NSW – A support network for foster and relative carers Call 1800 262 445.
Promoting the rights of children who aren’t living with their parents
- Children’s Guardian – The Children’s Guardian promotes the rights and best interests of children and young people in care in NSW.
- Charter of Children’s Rights – The Charter is a statement of the fundamental rights of children and young people in out-of-home care.
- CREATE – CREATE Foundation is the peak body representing the voices of all children and young people in out-of-home care. This website has information and help for your child.
Information for Indigenous carers and carers of Indigenous children
- AbSec – The NSW non-government body for Aboriginal families and children involved in child protection. Call 1800 888 698 for the Aboriginal Foster Care Advice Line and Support Groups.
- Aboriginal Legal Services – Legal advice and representation for Indigenous people in NSW and the ACT.
- Caring for Kids (PDF) – The new guide for foster, relative and kinship carers in NSW has a chapter on caring for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children.
Information for carers from culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- Caring for Kids (PDF) – The new guide for foster, relative and kinship carers in NSW has a chapter on caring for children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.