Read on for a series of insights, tips and things to consider expanding on a Webinar on the same topic in discussion with our Foster Care Ambassador - Fiona te Wierik
Taking the Phone Call for a New Referral
Ensure you have a quiet space to concentrate.
Take notes on key details (age, type of placement, duration etc).
Request a copy of the referral to review before deciding.
Don’t feel obliged to decide on the spot. Ask for 20 minutes. Review and discuss with your partner.
Reviewing the Referral
Check the child's age, and whether car seats, prams, etc., are provided.
Review trauma history, any noted behaviours, current strategies and medications.
Find out if the child attends daycare or school and their distance from your home.
Check if after-school care or transport will be provided by the agency.
Identify any challenging behaviours and whether these might conflict with other children in the home.
Ask about contact with the biological family (frequency, location, transport).
If the child has a disability, inquire about current and future support (e.g. wheelchair, special school, ask if they have a paediatrician).
Advocate for a review after two to three days, even if placement is only for a week and to seek any additional information.
If the placement is not a good fit, do not feel pressured to say yes. It means you will be available for other children who need your care.
Two to Three Days Post-Arrival Meeting
Address any concerns or questions.
Confirm duration of placement and discuss carer authority (e.g. medical appointments and carer authorisation form to be completed).
Advocate for a care team meeting if necessary and choose a time that suits you.
Look out for potential health issues (e.g. GP recommendations, referrals for specialist care and get the GP to put these in writing to share with care team).
Ensure any health assessments are documented for funding requests.
Identify any challenging behaviour and seek additional support but remember there is always a honeymoon period and some behaviours may not be apparent in the first month or two.
Care Team & Case Plan Meetings
Care Team Meetings
Carer, case manager, school rep, and allied health team; held monthly with DFFH where possible and may also include biological family.
Carers should advocate for the child's needs, including psychological assessments or specialist referrals or any non day to day costs that the child needs. Do they need any equipment such as mobility aid, and seek funding
Does the child have a Medicare Card?
Case Plan Meetings
The Case Planning Meetings are important for court related orders. The Victorian Handbook outlines that carers must be invited to attend these meetings, and as carers acquire an intimate understanding of the child’s needs, you should attend along with the worker and the DFFH.
If a child is not coping with current contact arrangements, discuss the impact on the child and offer alternative contact, for example, a shorter period of time, or at a park rather than an office or video calls if parents do not turn up to a scheduled contact.
Advocate for contact with biological siblings who may be in another foster home.
Ask about the plan for court orders and the outcome they expect. This is important to know so you can manage your child’s expectations.
This is the time to raise any concerns regarding the placement, if you feel your home may not be the best placement or if your biological children are not coping. Request the supports you need to maintain the placement or work towards ending a placement.
Setting up the Placement for Success
Prepare a child’s room with age-appropriate items and essentials (eg. toiletries, snacks, toys).
Keep a small stock of care items (e.g. nappy rash cream, lice treatment).
Make the home feel welcoming with soft lighting, cosy blankets, and space for personal decoration.
If you have your own children and it is age appropriate, get them to ask the young person how they want to be introduced to others, especially if they attend the same school. For example “this is a friend staying with us.”
Also have a box of room decorations and empty photo frames. Get the young person to help you decorate or set up the room to their taste.
Have spare sheets in case of bedwetting.
Have a snack box in the pantry they can access at any time.
Don’t overload your schedule in the first few days. Let the young person settle in at their own pace.
Provide a tour of the house and show where food and drinks are available.
Check if the agency or charities can assist with any setup costs or provide essential items (eg. backpacks, prams).
If you have pets, introduce them slowly to the child (keep them away when they first arrive to help them settle in).
Relay to your caseworker your best emergency contact details, work hours and best days for care team meetings early in your work together. FCAV has an information sheet for developing effective relationships which helps set out good communication: https://www.fcav.org.au/carer-information-hub/building-and-maintaining-effective-working-relationships
Preparing for Placement to End
Consider creating a photo book or scrapbook for the child to take with them.
Discuss any final wishes with the child, like people they want to see.
Farewell can include a family dinner or small party.
Be mindful this is a difficult time for children. Offer support and encouragement.
Get them to help you pack up their belongings and include some printed photos of their time with you.
Remind yourself that you have made special memories with the child that they take with them even though it is breaking your heart to say goodbye.
Dealing with Challenging Behaviours
Behavioural issues may arise after the "honeymoon period."
Children may act out due to trauma or a fear of rejection. Take life slowly.
Engage therapeutic support and always approach with a trauma-informed perspective.
If you’re struggling, ask for help. Things usually improve over time and once you have made some bonds.
Protecting Yourself from Allegations
Report and document everything (phone calls, emails, photos, meetings).
Ensure medical incidents are documented by a GP.
Inform relevant parties (eg. school, daycare) of any injuries or incidents.
Avoid complacency: always keep a record of any incidents or events so you can relay them accurately should allegations arise.
Develop a strong relationship with case worker as they will be critical in being able to advocate for you and the child in your care and be more aware of what is needed for the placement.
Relationship with Biological Family
Establish a positive relationship with biological family where possible.
Depending on the circumstances, get a child to assist set up a photo wall or create book of their family.
If you are the one taking the child to access, and circumstances allow, greet the parents and give them any updates or milestones achieved.
Involve biological parents in events like birthdays or school activities if appropriate.
Support sibling relationships by arranging visits or sleepovers.
Self-Care and Compassion
Prioritise your own self-care; make time for breaks and relaxation.
Take structured breaks, like a monthly day out or regular date nights with your partner. It is essential to recharge.
Seek training to support you with managing challenging behaviours (eg. Therapeutic Crisis Intervention).
Complete cultural training.
Training and Support Resources
Carer Kafe is the statewide, free, learning and development provider for Victorian kinship, permanent and accredited foster carers. Online and in person sessions are delivered by specialists across a broad range of topics to support carers in their vital role.
Recommended reading: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Dr Bruce Perry, for understanding trauma in children.
Attend Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training for families of children who have experienced trauma. Learning includes:
Prevent and de-escalate a crisis from occurring
Safely and therapeutically manage crisis situations
Constructively handle stressful situations
Support children to improve their coping strategies
The FCAV is the peak body for foster carers providing free, independent and practical support to every carer in Victoria. Online resources include an information hub, webinars and regular newsletters. Individualised support includes the Carer Support Line, where carers can speak with an experienced advocate about any issue. Call 9416 4292 or contact the service online: https://www.fcav.org.au/contact. The Carer Assistance Program offers confidential counselling for carer wellbeing. Look out for events and forums for carer connection and support such as Chat with the CEO sessions, activities held during Foster Care Week, and more.
