Practical supports for foster carer households pilot

A new $5.38 million pilot will provide practical support to foster carer households in South West and Far North Queensland regions over nine months.

The pilot will help foster carers manage family, work and cost-of-living pressures while continuing to provide safe and stable homes for children and young people. Around 1,000 carers will potentially benefit from this trial.

Support is flexible and based on the household’s needs. It may include:

• transport assistance
• supervision of children and young people
• in-home support
• respite-style care
• help with household tasks, such as cleaning and lawn maintenance during busy periods of school holidays, evenings and weekends.

The pilot aims to improve carer wellbeing, strengthen placement stability and help children and young people thrive. Support may also help with daily routines, school engagement, community participation, mentoring, and help carers attend training and care team meetings.

Research shows that in-home and practical support can improve outcomes for children and young people and help foster carers feel more supported and confident in their caring role. The pilot will help inform future approaches to supporting foster families across Queensland.

Pilot service providers

The following providers will deliver services across the pilot sites.

South West Queensland region

Ipswich North

• Flourish Community Solutions Pty Ltd 
  Website: www.flourishcommunitysolutions.com

South Burnett

• South Burnett CTC
  Website: www.sbctc.com.au

Southern Downs and Granite Belt

• Rise Child & Youth Services
  Website: www.risecys.com.au

Far North Queensland region

Cairns and Surrounds

• Centacare FNQ
  Website: www.centacarefnq.org

Tablelands

• Mareeba Community Centre Inc
  Website: www.mccinc.org.au

Cassowary Coast

• Community Support Centre Innisfail
  Website: www.csci.org.au