FACS Beta: We're building a new site. Help us make it better by telling us what you think.

Leave feedback
What is a beta?

Out-of-home care

Information for children and young people in care and for their parents, including types of care, rights, case planning, restoration and leaving care.

Browse Out-of-home care

About out-of-home care

Find out about the types of foster care that exists and how to access your records if you used to be in out-of-home care.
- Types of out-of-home care
  
  Out-of-home care can be short or long-term, find out what it is and what the different types are.
- Were you in out-of-home care?
  
  If you have left out-of-home care and are now a 'care leaver', you have a right to access your records and personal information about your time in care.
Information for children and young people in OOHC

Your rights as a child and young person in care, the programs and funding available to you while in care, how to prepare for leaving care, and aftercare support.
- My rights as a child or young person in care
  
  Find out what your rights are as a child or young person in out-of-home care, including contact with your family, taking part in case planning, mediation, and access to support services.
- Programs and funding for children and young people
  
  Information about scholarships, financial support and free training programs available for children and young people in out-of-home care.
- Leaving care, future planning and aftercare
  
  When you turn 18, you can formally leave care. Together with your caseworker you will create a leaving care plan that will help you transition to independent living.
Information for parents with kids in OOHC

Your rights as the parent, how to partner with your caseworker, what to do if there's a problem or dispute, and understanding the Restoration Plan so your child can return home.
- Your rights as a birth parent
  
  What your rights are as the birth parent when your child is in out-of-home care, including access to and information about your child
- Your child's rights in out-of-home care
  
  Your child has rights while they are in out-of-home care. We have created resources, such as booklets and videos, to discuss these rights with children and teens..
- Partnering with your caseworker
  
  Information about participating in case planning, cultural planning for Aboriginal children and young people, and family group conferencing.
- If you have a problem or dispute
  
  What you can do as a parent of a child in out-of-home care if you disagree with your child's caseworker or foster carer.
- Restoration: bringing your child home
  
  How to understand the Restoration Plan so you know what needs to happen for your child to return home.
- Leaving out-of-home care
  
  Information about the age a young person can leave care and the creation of a leaving care plan to prepare them before they leave out-of-home care.

Out-of-home care

Browse Out-of-home care

About out-of-home care

Information for children and young people in OOHC

Information for parents with kids in OOHC