GRAICCHS Foster and Kinship Care programs support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children by assisting to build strong connections with family and culture. The Foster and Kinship Team will provide tailored support for foster carers in the areas of assessment, and training, and will work towards appropriate family care arrangements.

We understand the importance of providing quality care and support to children in out-of-home care, as well as supporting their families. Our goal is to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children remain connected to family, community, culture and country.

“Kin is defined as ‘any of the child’s relatives who are persons of significance to the child and anyone else who is a person of significance to the child’ (Child Protection Act 1999, schedule 3).”

Kinship Care / Foster Care

A kinship carer is a person related to the child or a member of a child’s community and considered by the child to be family, or a person of significance to them, who is approved by Child Safety to provide a care arrangement for that (specific) child. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, kinship care may include another Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander who is a member of, or compatible with, the child’s community or language group. 

A foster carer is an individual, or two or more individuals approved by Child Safety to provide family-based care for children and young people in their own home. Foster carers undergo a thorough screening, assessment and training process before being approved, to assess their ability to provide care for children and young people in line with the legislated standards of care.

For Family Care arrangements, please contact Nhulundu Health Service.

“Foster and Kinship care services are funded to recruit, train, assess and support foster and kinship carers and to manage and monitor the quality of care arrangements provided to children and young people.”

Who can be a carer?

In accordance with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle, GRAICCHS is committed to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people who are in care, are placed with members of their families, in their community of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, or with carers having regard for the general principle that they should be cared for within an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

How are carers supported?

GRAICCHS Foster and Kinship Care Service will ensure carers are supported through the arrangements of placement, implementation of a Care Plan, and assisting carers in meeting the emotional, behavioural, and other needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people while they are in out-of-home care.

Carers receive an allowance to cover items such as food, clothing, household supplies, gifts, pocket money and entertainment for the children/young people in care. The allowance is not a payment but is a partial contribution towards the direct cost of looking after children/young people with high needs.

Other reimbursements for carers are also available from the Department of Communities (Child Safety), including an additional allowance provided for carers who have children/young people with high needs.

Expression of interest

More information

Queensland Foster and Kinship Care
Department of Child Safety