The role of foster and kinship carers
Welcome!
Being a foster and kinship carer is an important role that can bring a lot of joy, but it’s also hard work and challenging at times.
In this short module (about 15 minutes to read and watch videos), other carers, and the practitioners who support them, share their experiences and what they’ve found helpful.
At the end of this module there is a summary of key messages and the activities or ‘things to think about’ that you can save or print. On the final screen there are links to recommended services and websites for more information, resources and support.
In this module the term ‘carer’ encompasses foster, kinship and guardianship/permanent carers who have primary or shared responsibility in raising a child or children. We use the term ‘your child’ to refer to the child in your care.
We acknowledge that every child in care has a biological family, that there are many different informal and statutory care arrangements and each carer–child relationship is unique, and that carers define their relationship with a child in their care in different ways.
Key messages
Caring for children is a 24/7 job. Foster and kinship carers say the role brings rewards but also challenges.
It’s normal to sometimes feel unsure, exhausted and/or undervalued when you’re caring for children and young people who have complex needs and may communicate them using challenging behaviours.
Taking care of yourself is important for your own physical and mental health, and also for the wellbeing of children in your care.
Building connections with supportive people, including other carers, and seeking help when you need it are also key to being able to continue caring for children the way you want to.