Types of Foster Care
Children need safe, stable and caring environments to grow and thrive, and every family has something unique to offer. Choosing to become a foster carer is a significant and deeply personal decision, and understanding the different types of care available can help you explore how your household might be able to support a child in need.
Whether you're just beginning to consider fostering or thinking about how you might step further into this role, Anglicare is here to support you. With full training, guidance and ongoing encouragement, you won't be alone as you seek to make a difference.
Different types of Foster Care
Foster care comes in many forms because every child's needs are different, and so is every carer's situation. Some children require urgent, short-term care. Others need stable, long-term support. Each type varies in duration, level of involvement, and the kinds of support children may need.
Below, you'll find an overview of the most common types of foster care available. These summaries are designed to help you explore what might work best for your household as you consider how you could provide care, stability and encouragement to a child in need.
Short-term Foster Care
Provide a safe place for a season.
Short-term carers offer children stability and care while Anglicare works with their families toward restoration or a long-term plan.
Long-term Foster Care
Provide a safe place to grow up.
When children can't return to their birth families, long-term carers offer love, stability, and the security every child needs to flourish.
Respite Foster Care
Small moments. Big impact.
Respite carers strengthen children and foster families alike by being part of a wider circle of care. Just one weekend can make a world of difference.
Crisis Foster Care
Crisis carers provide immediate, short-term foster care for children who cannot stay in their home due to urgent safety concerns. You may be contacted at short notice, including after hours. This type of care can last a few days or up to three months.
Kinship Care
Kinship care places children with relatives or close family friends. These arrangements offer familiarity and connection during difficult times. Anglicare supports both new and existing kinship carers to help children stay connected to their culture and community.
Understanding each type of Foster Care
Each type of care varies in length and structure.
Short-term care: A few months to over a year while court decisions are made
Long-term care: Ongoing care until the child turns 18
Respite care: One weekend a month or during holidays
Crisis care: Emergency placements lasting a few days to three months
Kinship care: Ongoing care by a relative or known adult
Some families begin with one type, and transition into others as their confidence and capacity grow, or as circumstances change.
The needs of children in each type of Foster Care
Children in care often come from complex backgrounds and may have experienced trauma, neglect or instability. Depending on the type of care, a child may need:
- A calm and safe place to land in a crisis
- Support through court and family transitions
- Consistent care and relationship stability
- Help regulating emotions and behaviour
- Encouragement in education and social development
- Assistance with health, nutrition, and daily physical needs
Anglicare matches each child with the right carer, providing guidance so you feel equipped for their needs.
Support for foster carers in each situation
Anglicare provides comprehensive support for all foster carers, including:
- Pre-placement training and assessment
- A dedicated case manager and 24/7 emergency support
- Access to a clinical care team and therapeutic specialists
- Ongoing education and carer development
- Peer support groups and family-friendly events
- Camps and activities for your children
- Respite care
- Tax-free foster care allowance
You're never alone on the journey. From first enquiry to long-term placement, we walk beside you every step of the way.
Not sure what type of care is right for you? Enquire now.
Frequently asked questions about the different types of Foster Care
Inspired by the gospel of reconciliation in Jesus Christ, Anglicare's vision for reconciliation is a nation in which Australia's First Peoples are restored in dignity, respect, empowerment and opportunity.