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South Australian Government logo. Link to Government Ministers' web site. Department for Communities and Social Inclusion logo. Link to department web site.

Click here to find out more on becoming a foster carer

In this section
Links
Related Topics

Alternative Care Support Payments

Legislation Governing Families SA

Rapid Response

National Framework

Information Sharing Guidelines

(Promoting the Safety and Wellbeing of Children, Young People and their Families)

Foster Care Services

Last Updated Aug 2011

Phone: 1300 2 FOSTER
(or 1300 2367 837)

Request the foster caring information pack

Contacts

Families SA

Last Updated May 2011

Level 7, 108 North Terrace
Adelaide SA 5000
General enquiries: 8124 4185
Customer information: 8226 6735
Customer service helpline: 8226 6930 or 1800 003 305
Foster carers helpline: 1300 134 043
Email: customer.families@dfc.sa.gov.au
This email address should not be used to report child abuse and neglect.  To report child abuse and neglect, ring the Child Abuse Report Line on 131 478.  This is a 24 hour service.  For more information see Protecting children.

Home » Families and young people » Foster caring
The Department for Families and Communities (DFC) is now the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI). The department is currently reviewing its online information and updates will be implemented soon.
You can still find departmental information using the search function on this site. For more information about South Australian government services please visit www.sa.gov.au.

Resources for foster, relative and kinship carers

Last Updated Nov 2011

Resources about, or to assist you in being a foster, relative or kinship carer

DocumentFoster Carers Charter [alternative]
DocumentStandards of Alternative Care [alternative]
DocumentAlternative Care Support Payments [alternative]
DocumentInitial Placement Checklist [alternative]

(When a child is placed in your care, this checklist allows you and the social worker to ensure that you have all the information you require.)

DocumentOther Person Guardianship Position Paper 2010 [alternative]
DocumentProtocol between Centrelink and Families SA for government payments and services [alternative]
DocumentLife story work [alternative]
Life story work is a way to record information about the child’s history and personal development.

Fact sheets for, or relevant to, carers 

DocumentAfter Hours Crisis Care [alternative]
DocumentCaring for Children in Hot Weather [[alternative]
DocumentFines for smoking in cars with children [alternative]
DocumentFoster relative and kinship carers card [alternative]
DocumentPrivacy and your personal information [alternative]
DocumentSteps to resolution [alternative]
DocumentThere is no excuse for child abuse [alternative]
DocumentRapid Response [alternative]
DocumentBoundaries and keeping yourself safe [alternative]
DocumentAlternative Care Disability Support Program [alternative]
DocumentSpecial Investigations Unit Information Sheet [alternative]
DocumentFoster Carers Library Guide [alternative]
 

Links to foster, relative and kinship carers

'Links' is direct newsletter from Families SA for foster, relative and kinship carers in South Australia. It summarises the key work and issues that affect you.

DocumentLinks - Issue 6 - Winter 2011 [alternative]
DocumentLinks - Issue 5 - Summer 2010 [alternative]
DocumentLinks - Issue 4 - Winter 2010 [alternative]
DocumentLinks - Issue 3 - Summer 2009 [alternative]
DocumentLinks - Issue 2 - Winter 2009 [alternative]
DocumentLinks - Issue 1 - Summer 2008 [alternative]

Connecting with other foster, relative and kinship carers

Carers groups in your local office

Many local offices have Carers Groups, which give you the opportunity to meet carers and staff.  Some meetings are “conference” style, with presentations and discussions, other meetings are more social. 

There are active groups at the following offices:

Marion, Murray Bridge, North Eastern, Gawler, Riverland, Pt Augusta, Mt Gambier

Want to attend a group but there isn’t one at your local office?

Tell your Families SA social worker, or contact the office manager to ask if a group can be started.

You might also contact another group to see if you could join them.