When Anita first read about the need for carers in her community, she hesitated. Could she really make a difference? Did she have what it takes to care for someone else’s child? After one phone call with Creating Links, her nerves gave way to clarity. She didn’t need to be perfect — just present, prepared and willing to learn.
Whether you’re curious, committed or still deciding, this guide breaks down how to begin your journey with foster care in NSW. From your first enquiry to the day you open your door to a child in need, every step matters — and you won’t be doing it alone.
👉 Call us now to take the first step
Foster Care in NSW: What You Need to Know Before You Begin
Starting anything new comes with uncertainty — and foster care in NSW is no different. It’s a big decision, but one backed by a strong support system.
What exactly is foster care?
Foster care provides children and young people with a safe, supportive home when their own families are unable to care for them. It’s designed to be temporary — until it’s safe to return home — but sometimes it becomes long-term. In both cases, foster carers play a critical role in a child’s wellbeing and development.
The NSW government partners with accredited agencies like Creating Links to recruit, train and support carers across Sydney.
You don’t need to be a superhero. You need to be open, stable and committed to helping a child feel secure.
👉 Have questions? Let’s talk it through
The Process: How to Start Your Foster Care Journey
Many first-time carers are surprised at how supported the process is. You’ll never be expected to figure it all out alone. Here’s how the journey typically begins with Creating Links:
- Enquiry: Fill out a form or give us a call. We’ll explain the basics and answer your early questions.
- Information session: Attend an info night or online session to understand what fostering involves.
- Initial assessment: We’ll visit your home, get to know you and talk through your motivations.
- Training: You’ll complete preparation training that covers trauma-informed care, communication and child development.
- Checks and approvals: We’ll handle Working With Children Checks, health screenings and referee interviews.
- Matching and placement: Once approved, we’ll work with you to find a child or young person who suits your household.
Each step is about building confidence — for you and for the system. Our team is there throughout.
👉 Ready to book an info session? Reach out now
Who Can Apply to Be a Foster Carer in NSW?
There’s no “perfect” profile for a carer. In fact, diversity is encouraged. Children in care come from a wide range of cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds — and so should carers.
You can apply if:
- You’re over 25
- You rent or own your home and have a spare room
- You’re single, married, partnered or in a same-sex relationship
- You have a stable lifestyle and the time to care for a child
- You’re willing to complete training and work with professionals
People from Bankstown, Liverpool, Parramatta and other parts of Western Sydney have found their calling through fostering. Creating Links values carers who reflect the community we serve.
👉 Find out if fostering suits your lifestyle
Different Types of Foster Care: Choose What Fits You
Getting started doesn’t mean you have to commit to long-term care right away. There are several types of foster care in NSW, and you can choose the one that fits your circumstances.
Options include:
- Emergency care: Immediate, short-term placement, often just overnight or for a few days.
- Short-term care: Lasts a few weeks or months, typically while birth families receive support.
- Long-term care: When a return home isn’t possible, children need stability and permanency.
- Respite care: Supporting other carers by taking a child for weekends or school holidays.
- Restoration-focused care: Helping support the child’s transition back to family.
At Creating Links, our team works with you to find the right placement type based on your household, capacity and interest.
👉 Let’s talk about the kind of care you can offer
How Creating Links Supports New Foster Carers
You may be new to this — but we’re not. Our team has supported hundreds of carers across Western Sydney. From the moment you pick up the phone, we’re here to guide, train and encourage you.
With Creating Links, you’ll receive:
- Free training tailored to your needs
- A dedicated caseworker who checks in regularly
- 24/7 on-call support for emergencies
- Regular carer events and networking opportunities
- Resources to support children with disabilities, trauma or cultural needs
We’re not just about placements — we’re about relationships. Our goal is to make sure you feel prepared and confident at every stage.
👉 Discover the support available to new carers
Take the First Step Today — You Are Needed
There are thousands of children in NSW needing care today. Every carer counts. Whether you can offer a weekend or a year, your presence makes an impact.
You don’t need to know it all. You don’t need to commit tomorrow. All you need to do is start.
👉 Call us today or enquire online — we’ll walk with you
