The FCAV is pleased to present the findings of the 2026 FCAV Carer Census, including themes arising from carers’ open-ended responses. Thank you to the hundreds of carers who took the time to share their experiences. These responses provide an important evidence base to better understand the motivations, experiences and needs of foster carers across Victoria.

The 2026 Census builds on the data collected in 2024, strengthening FCAV’s evidence base and allowing us to track carer experiences over time and identify where change is, or is not, occurring.

The insights gained through the Census inform FCAV service delivery, our advocacy priorities and the information and evidence we provide to the broader sector. They provide insight into the foster care journey and the strong motivations that underpin carers’ commitment to children and young people, while identifying pressure points affecting carer recruitment, retention and the sustainability of foster care in Victoria.

Alongside important demographic information about Victoria’s diverse foster carer population and the circumstances in which carers live and provide care, the Census provides critical attitudinal data about the experience of caring. This includes carers’ experiences of accessing support for the children in their care and for themselves in their caring role across the broader foster care system, including through their agency, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and Child Protection.

The findings provide evidence of carers’ dedication to children, families and communities, while also highlighting where improvements could best be targeted to the services, resources, financial support, inclusion and respect carers experience within the system.