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Respite Foster Care

Enquire now
Enquire now

Every child needs consistency, care and connection, and that continues even when their regular foster family takes time away. As a respite carer, you'll provide short periods of care that make a lasting difference. Whether it's for a weekend, a few days in the holidays, or even overnight, you'll be offering a safe place to belong and the chance to be part of a child's ongoing story of stability and healing.

What is respite Foster Care?

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A short-term solution with long-term impact

Respite foster care is a flexible, pre-arranged form of short-term care. It gives full-time foster families the time and space they need to rest, recharge or manage other commitments.
For the child, it's a chance to experience a consistent, nurturing environment with someone they've come to know and trust. Even a few nights of care can have a lasting impact - supporting placement stability and strengthening everyone involved.
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How respite care supports foster families

Caring full-time for a child who has experienced trauma takes love, patience and energy. Respite care gives foster families the opportunity to rest and regroup, while knowing their child is in safe hands. It's also beneficial for the child, who builds trust in others and learns that safe relationships exist beyond their primary carer. This network of care helps everyone thrive.

Role of a respite foster carer

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Responsibilities and expectations

Respite carers provide a welcoming home for short, pre-planned stays - typically a weekend, a few nights during school holidays, or sometimes a single night. You'll work closely with Anglicare case managers to ensure the child's needs are met during their stay. Flexibility, open communication and a heart to care are key.
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Types of care you may provide

You might care for a child once a month, or a few times a year - it's based on your availability and what works for your household.
Often respite carers are paired with the same child or family for ongoing support, building trust over time. Children may be any age, though many are of primary school age.

Who can become a respite carer?

Eligibility and requirements

You don't need special qualifications to be a respite foster carer.

If you're over 21, in good health, and able to provide a safe, stable home, you may be eligible. Carers come from all walks of life - singles, couples, families. What matters most is your willingness to open your heart and home.

Application and assessment process

The process is thorough but supportive. It includes training, interviews and a home safety check. We're here to walk with you each step of the way.

Learn more about the foster carer application process

Common myths about respite care

Support and training for respite carers

Anglicare support worker providing guidance to a new respite foster carer in NSW

Training and ongoing guidance

You'll receive comprehensive training prior to your first placement, including trauma-informed care. Our training is practical, flexible and designed to build your confidence and skills.

Financial support

Respite carers receive an allowance to cover the cost of food, activities and other daily needs during each placement.

Emergency support and resources

You'll have the support of a case manager and the 24/7 on call service, as well as connections to Anglicare's wider community of carers, churches and services.

Explore how we support our carers

How to get started with respite Foster Care

Taking the next steps with Anglicare

You can begin by exploring more about respite foster care in a way that suits you. Some people like to attend an information session, while others prefer a one-on-one conversation with our team. However you choose to start, we'll be here to guide you through each step of the application process

Matching you with the right child

We take time to understand you - your preferences, experience and comfort level - so we can match you with children who'll thrive in your care, even for a short stay.

Talk to our friendly team about respite care.

Complete our foster care enquiry form and our friendly team will be in touch soon.

FAQs about respite Foster Care

Anglicare acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original and ongoing custodians of the lands and waters on which we live and work.

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.