A foster care expert's honest answers to your burning questions.

Thanks to our brand partner, UnitingCare

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but that village might not always look the way you imagined.

Across Australia, thousands of people are opening their homes to children in need of care.

In the past, I envisioned foster carers as people who had carefully arranged their lives to focus primarily on caregiving. But my perspective shifted completely when my brother and his husband became foster carers themselves.

Despite having jobs, busy lives and other commitments, they found meaningful ways to incorporate fostering into their routine and make a difference where they could. It opened my eyes to the need for carers and the fact that there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all foster carer.

So I spoke with Amanda Moormann, Acting General Manager of UnitingCare's Foster and Kinship Program, to find out what's really involved in becoming a carer and who can step into that role. Her answers might surprise you.

How many children need care?

Every day, UnitingCare receives referrals for children in urgent need of care, from newborns to teens.

"There are over 12,000 children and young people in Queensland alone who need family-based placements," said Amanda.

"We're constantly looking for people who can provide a safe place — whether for a night, a few weeks or longer."

Amanda explained that the shortage of general foster carers is one of the biggest challenges in keeping these children safe and cared for.

While kinship care with relatives or members of a child's community is always the priority, sometimes no suitable carers can be found. That's when foster carers can step in and become part of the child's support system and extended family fabric. 

Who is eligible to become a foster carer?

If you've ever wondered if fostering could fit into your lifestyle, the answer is probably yes.

"There's no one type of foster carer," said Amanda. 

"You can be single or married, with or without children, working or retired and of any ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. We have carers in their 20s and carers in their 80s."

You don't need to own your home. You don't need a background in social work. You just need a genuine interest in supporting children. "We say, whatever you can offer, we want to hear from you," said Amanda.

There's also flexibility in how you care. Some carers open their homes long-term, while others provide emergency or short-term care. "Even a couple of weeks or one weekend a month can make an enormous difference in a child's life," Amanda explained.

Is there support for carers?

The idea of fostering can be daunting, but Amanda was clear about the support given to carers: "We don't expect carers to go it alone."

UnitingCare provides extensive ongoing training, tailored support, financial assistance and regular check-ins. Each carer is connected with a dedicated practitioner who visits monthly (or more often as needed), and there's 24/7 on-call support for anything that arises.

Plus, there's a strong community of carers who lean on each other. "We hold regular events, including barbecues, breakfasts and theme park days where carers and children can connect," Amanda said. "That sense of community really matters."

And what about money?

Let's be honest, children can be expensive. While foster care is a volunteer role, carers receive a tax-free government allowance to help cover expenses like food, clothes and schooling.

"There are also extra funds we can potentially access," Amanda said. "If a child needs tutoring, counselling, dental care or even sports equipment, we advocate for that support."

So no, you're not expected to foot the bill for everything. The system is designed to help carers succeed and, ultimately, to help children thrive.

What if you get attached?

This was the first thing I worried about when my brother became a carer: How could he say goodbye?

Amanda acknowledged that this is one of the most emotional parts of fostering. "Carers often fall in love with the children they care for. That's completely normal and beautiful," she said.

But part of the role is supporting reunification with families when it's safe and possible. "It's very selfless," said Amanda.

"Being a foster carer can be incredibly rewarding. It's in the small moments — when a child trusts you and feels safe — that you truly know you've made a difference."

"You love them, nurture them and help them heal, knowing it might be temporary. But that love still matters."

The biggest takeaway?

The perfect carer doesn't exist.

You don't need to have it all figured out to become a foster carer.

Amanda told me: "There's a robust assessment process, but it's not about perfection. It's about safety, stability and compassion."

And there's space for growth.

"Some carers join us for a while before taking a break, while others offer long-term or permanent support. Many start with emergency care before transitioning to longer placements, and some continue to offer lasting connections in a child's life. Every bit of care counts."

Head to UnitingCare's website to learn more about foster care.

Feature Image: Getty.

Can you offer safety and security to a child? Right now, children across Queensland need someone to show up for them—and that someone could be you. Becoming a foster carer is a big decision, but it might just be the most life-changing one you'll ever make.

You won't be alone. UnitingCare provides wraparound support: specialised training, carer groups, therapeutic guidance, and dedicated support including after-hours assistance.

Foster carers come from all walks of life—any gender, culture, religion, background or stage of life. What matters is your willingness to care.

Start your foster care journey today: unitingcareqld.com.au