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Workplace Leave and Employment Supports for foster carers
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Leave entitlements
July 27th, 2026
Some employers offer foster care leave or flexible arrangements. The National Employment Standards do not currently include specific foster care leave, but there may be provisions that carers can access.

Many carers are unaware that some employers offer foster care leave or flexible arrangements. The National Employment Standards do not currently include specific foster care leave, but carers may be able to access:

  • Carer's leave (personal/carer's leave)

  • Compassionate leave for emergencies

  • Unpaid parental leave (in some circumstances)

  • Flexible working arrangements

Some enterprise agreements and industrial awards provide specific foster carer leave entitlements.  Some examples include:

We encourage all foster carers to check if their workplace policies include specific foster care provisions.

Questions to ask your employer
Does our workplace policy include foster care leave? Can I access flexible working arrangements? Is there an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? Are there any additional supports for foster carers?
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The Foster Care Association of Victoria acknowledges the unceded sovereignty of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation on whose land we live and work. We acknowledge the continued connection to Country including lands cultural knowledges and their peoples and pay respect to Elders past and present. We are the united voice and advocate for all foster carers across Victoria and we aim to continually develop our knowledge and act with respect to First Nations sovereignty.
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The Foster Care Association of Victoria (FCAV) is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission, with ABN 30747010099
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