Children in Therapeutic Foster Care need carers who can walk beside them as they heal, learn, and grow. With the right support behind you, you can make an extraordinary difference in the life of a child as a Therapeutic Foster Carer.
The role of all foster carers is to create a safe and supportive home for a child while their parents and families get back on their feet. Foster carers are part of the child or young person’s care team, which includes the foster care agency and the child’s birth family.
What Is Therapeutic Foster Care?
Therapeutic Foster Care provides carers with extra tools, guidance, and support so they can respond confidently to the needs of children who require a higher level of care.
The goal is always to support children to safely reunify with their families wherever possible — or to help them find long‑term stability when reunification isn’t an option.
As a Therapeutic Foster Carer, you will be a valued member of the child's care team, and your expertise is an integral part of the program.
Therapeutic Foster Carers receive:
- Specialist training to understand trauma and support recovery
- Access to therapeutic specialists who help develop clear strategies and practical approaches
- Ongoing team support from experienced professionals
- Enhanced financial support recognising the increased commitment
This model creates a positive, stable environment that helps children:
- feel safe
- build trust and connection
- learn new skills
- develop resilience
- move forward with confidence
Who Is Therapeutic Foster Care For?
Therapeutic Foster Care supports children and young people (0–18) who need extra support to heal, grow, and thrive beyond what general foster care can provide. This includes those who:
- have experienced multiple placement changes
- face mental health challenges or disabilities
- have experienced trauma, displacement, or exploitation
- need intensive, culturally safe, evidence-informed care
Placements can last months or longer, with the goal of reunification of the child with their family, a permanent care arrangement, or a transition to independent living if the young person is old enough.
Ready to make a real difference?
Enquire online or call 1800 013 088 to learn how you can become a Therapeutic Foster Carer and provide a safe, supportive home for a child in need.
Is Therapeutic Foster Care Right for You?
You may be a great fit if you:
- have experience supporting children or young people with individual or complex needs
- enjoy working as part of a team
- can offer patience, empathy, structure, and a safe home
- are open to learning new approaches and strategies to support children
Whether you’ve worked in teaching, youth work, disability support, counselling, childcare —or you simply have a passion for supporting young people, or lived experience that helps you understand the challenges children face —your skills could make a life-changing difference.
You don’t need to be an expert—just someone who can provide stability, patience, and care. Your agency will support you every step of the way.
Are you already a foster carer? Chat with your agency about whether therapeutic foster care could be your next step!
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to explore Therapeutic Foster Care, we’re here to help you get started.
Enquire online or call 1800 013 088 to find out whether Therapeutic Foster Care is right for you— whether you're new to fostering or already a carer looking to take the next step.
Looking for more information?
If you're thinking about becoming a foster carer, but not quite ready to submit an enquiry, we're always available to provide support and answer any questions you have.
Speak to a Foster Care Engagement Specialist today: 1800 013 088 or fcenquiry@cfecfw.org.au