To become a foster carer in Geelong, you can apply through Wathaurong’s Kinship & Foster Care program, complete suitability checks and training, and work with our team to match you with a child who needs a safe, culturally strong home in the Wadda Wurrung/Geelong region. You’ll have dedicated workers, training, financial support for the child’s needs, and ongoing cultural connection for the young person.

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What that actually looks like in practice

At Wathaurong, foster care is about more than a spare room; it’s about giving a young person stability, cultural connection, and everyday moments that feel like home. It might be a roast on Sunday, help with homework after footy training, or a yarn on the drive to school. We partner with carers across Geelong, the Bellarine and Colac to keep Aboriginal children connected to Community, Culture and Country.

Our Kinship & Foster Care team supports:

• Kinship care – care provided by family or people known to the child.
• Foster care – care provided by approved carers who aren’t known to the child.

Both models prioritise culturally safe care and strong ties to family, mob and identity. If you live in or around Geelong and feel ready to make a difference, here’s how to get started.

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The pathway to becoming a carer with Wathaurong

Stage	What happens	Your part	Typical timeframe*
Register interest	You contact Wathaurong’s Kinship & Foster Care team	Quick call or form submission	A few minutes
Info conversation	We talk through the role, types of care, and support	Ask questions, share your situation	30–60 mins
Application pack	Forms plus consent for checks	Complete forms and return	1–2 weeks
Suitability checks	Safety and background checks – e.g. WWCC, Police Check, Health & Home Safety	Provide documents and book inspections	Varies
Carer training	Core training that fits around work and family	Attend sessions – in person or blended	Several sessions
Assessment	A trained assessor visits, learns about your strengths, routines, home and support network	Honest conversations; home visits	Several weeks
Approval & matching	Panel reviews your assessment; we plan for suitable placements	Confirm the kinds of care you can offer	Depends on need

*Timeframes are indicative and can move faster or slower based on your availability and placement needs in Geelong.

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Who can apply?

There isn’t one ‘perfect’ profile. We welcome:

• Singles, couples, and families
  
• Renters or homeowners
  
• People with or without children
  
• Carers from all backgrounds who embrace cultural safety and want to learn
  

What you’ll need:

• A stable home in the Geelong region
  
• Space for a child or young person to feel at home
  
• Willingness to complete checks and training
  
• Openness to work closely with Wathaurong staff and, where safe and appropriate, the child’s family

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Types of care you can offer

• Emergency care – short notice, short stays when a child needs immediate safety
  
• Short-term care – days to months, while reunification or longer-term plans are set
  
• Long-term care – ongoing care when a stable home is needed for the long haul
  
• Respite care – a weekend or a few days to give another carer a break and support the child’s network

We’ll explore what suits your life – for example, respite on one weekend a month, or long-term care if your routine allows.

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Training, support and what Wathaurong provides

You’re not doing this alone. Our Kinship & Foster Care team provides:

• Dedicated support worker – a local person you’ll get to know by name
  
• Training – trauma-aware, culturally grounded learning that fits real-world caring
  
• Financial support for the child’s needs – contribution toward food, clothing, activities and schooling
  
• 24/7 phone support – help when things pop up after hours
  
• Wraparound services – connection to Wathaurong programs like Health, SEWB, Youth, and Cultural Services, so the child stays strong in culture and wellbeing
  
• Cultural connection planning – practical ways to keep the child connected to mob, language, Elders and community events

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What kids in our community need from carers

• Safety and predictability – clear routines, calm responses
  
• Connection – support to stay in touch with family and culture in line with their plan
  
• Encouragement – celebrations of the small wins: finishing a school project, learning a new skill
  
• Teamwork – willingness to work with caseworkers, teachers and health professionals

If you can imagine a young person joining you at the kitchen bench to ice cupcakes, riding their bike along the Barwon after school, or sitting with you at Booln Booln during a community event, you can picture the heart of this role.

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Quick checklist – is fostering with Wathaurong a good fit for you?

• You live in the Geelong region and can offer a safe, stable home
  
• You value Aboriginal cultural safety and want to learn
  
• You’re ready to complete training and checks
  
• You can partner with Wathaurong staff and support plans for family contact
  
• You want to make a lasting difference for a child in our community

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Answering common questions

How long does approval to become a foster carer take?
It depends on your availability for training and home visits, plus the speed of checks. We’ll keep you updated at each stage.

Do I need previous experience with kids to become a foster carer?
It helps, though it isn’t essential. Your life skills, patience and willingness to learn matter most. Training and ongoing guidance are provided.

Can I work full-time and still foster?
Yes – many carers do. We’ll discuss the types of care that fit your routine, e.g. respite or short-term.

What financial support is available?
Carers receive a care allowance that contributes to the child’s day-to-day needs. We’ll explain current rates and what’s covered during your info conversation.

How is culture supported in foster care?
Cultural identity is central. Wathaurong provides cultural guidance, community connections, and access to programs and events that help kids feel proud and strong.

What ages are the children who need care?
Babies through to teens. We’ll discuss age ranges you feel most confident supporting.

Can I choose the type of care I offer?
Yes – we explore your availability, home setup and strengths, then agree on suitable care types.

What if things get challenging?
You’ll have a named worker, access to training refreshers, 24/7 phone support, and referrals into Wathaurong health and wellbeing services.

Do I need my own car?
Transport helps with school runs and appointments. If that’s tricky, talk with us – we’ll problem-solve together.

I rent. Can I still foster?
Absolutely. Stability matters more than owning a home.

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Ready to start?

Take the first step with Wathaurong’s Kinship & Foster Care team.
Have a yarn with us about the kinds of care that suit your life and how we’ll support you. Call (03) 5277 0044 or visit our Kinship & Foster Care page to register your interest.By applying through Wathaurong’s Kinship & Foster Care, you’re helping a child stay connected to Culture, Community and Country – right here in Geelong.