Provide information, support and advice to foster carers about navigating the Out of Home Care System, such as:
Support and advocacy for foster carers when involved in Client Incident Management System (CIMS) issues
Liaison with foster carer’s agency, when necessary, to advocate for foster carers.
Liaison with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) and other key stakeholders to provide individual advocacy
Monday–Thursday 9:00am–5:00pm
Friday 9:00am–4:30pm
This service is not available on public holidays.
(03) 9416 4292 | admin@fcav.org.au
Online Enquiry
If you are a Kinship Carer, please contact Kinship Cares Victoria (KCV), the peak body for Kinship Carers on 03 9372 2442 .
If you are a Permanent Carer, please contact Permanent Care and Adoptive Families (PCAF), the peak body for Permanent Carers on 03 9020 1833.
The FCAV Carer Assistance Program offers free therapeutic support to Victorian Foster Carers, Permanent Carers, and Adoptive Families (PCAF). Through CAP, carers can access therapeutic support across a range of issues impacting mental health and wellbeing, both related and unrelated to their caring role.
Educational opportunities for foster and permanent carers such as:
New Member Inductions
Webinars and podcasts on home-based care specific issues
CAP Therapeutic Group Sessions
Chat with CEO Sessions for foster carers to raise practice issues and advocacy advice
Chat with CEO sessions with agencies for advocacy advice
Chat with CAP for agencies and ACCOs
Carer Support Team Manager
Tessa joined FCAV in 2016. Tessa manages a team who deliver information, support, and advocacy to Victorian carers.
A significant component of the work is supporting carers through the CIMS process, where allegations have been made against a carer.
Tessa is committed to working closely with key stakeholders and developing strong relationships in the Out of Home Care sector to ensure all needs are met for carers.
During COVID, she led a team to establish a therapeutic support service, CAP which is offered to Foster and Permanent carers. Mental health issues have been a primary reason for carers to access the service.
Tessa also managers all Learning and Development opportunities offered by FCAV and her passion is in the wellbeing and self-care space to better support carers and their mental health while caring for children.
Amongst many achievements while in the role, Tessa managed and delivered weekend retreats for carers where they can restore and revitalise themselves.
Tessa loves reading, swimming, travel and experiencing new wonders.
Carer Advocate
Biba has been a member of the FCAV Carer Support Team team since 2010, having previously worked in Child Protection.
Biba has a strong belief in empowering carers to navigate the foster care system to enable the best possible outcome for the children in their care.
She also has a particular interest in the importance of support during the CIMS and Independent Investigation processes.
Carer Advocate
Leigh returned to the FCAV in late 2020 having previously worked with us for a number of years.
With an extensive career in government and non-government sectors in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Victoria, Leigh brings several decades of experience and knowledge to her advocacy on behalf of foster carers.
The granddaughter of a foster carer, Leigh is very committed to ensuring the rights of carers are respected within the Out of Home Care system.
Carer Advocate and L&D Coordinator
Stacey joined the FCAV team in 2026 having worked in out of home care for the prior 10 years.
Stacey is passionate about creating spaces for carers to connect, to share experiences and to learn from one another.
She brings experience working alongside and advocating for carers, as well as developing strong relationships across the out of home sector.
Stacey loves being creative, netball and going to her local op-shops.
FCAV will not initiate discussions with any agencies, ACCOs or government departments without your expressed consent unless there is an immediate risk of harm to an identifiable person or persons, including a child or young person. All carer information utilised in the compilation of FCAV reports is de-identified to protect the identities of carers.
