Foster, relative and kinship carer’s rights

• Be informed
  • Have the goals and expectations of each placement made clear to you
  • Be adequately prepared for placement
  • Be able to make an informed choice about a placement starting or finishing
  • Have as much information as you need to meet the individual needs of the child in your care
  • Be adequately warned about a potential risk to you or your family’s safety
  • Be informed how decisions may be reviewed and how you can make a complaint

• Be involved
  
  • Have a say in any matter that affects you
  • Be respected as a member of the care team with unique knowledge and skills
  • Make decisions regarding the day-to-day care and control of the child or young person in your care
  • Have greater decision-making in the care of the child or young person and to be acknowledged as a co-parent for the child
  • Be consulted on your views of the alternative care system

• Adequate support
  
  • Receive prompt initial support when a placement begins
  • Receive ongoing level of support in keeping with the needs of the child
  • Have a Placement Support Worker who will advocate for your needs when required
  • Have the support of other carers who understand your situation
  • Receive adequate and timely financial reimbursement that meets the agreed needs of the child in care
  • Be safe from harm caused by the child or their family members
  • Replacement or repair of loss or damage caused to your home or possessions by the child in care

• Respect and consideration
  
  • Consider the impact of fostering on you and your family
  • Be listened to with understanding and sensitivity, your feelings and emotional involvement recognised
  • Ensure the child’s emotional connection is taken into account in placement decision-making and case planning
  • Receive placement preservation services to ensure the child has been moved from care as a last resort
  • Be treated with courtesy and respect in all communications and negotiations
  • Have the challenges of a carer acknowledged and taken into consideration
  • Have the confidentiality of your personal information protected

• Fairness and openness
  
  • Be treated in a non-discriminatory manner
  • See any information recorded about you (within legal constraints) without cost
  • Ensure big decisions are made in full consultation with you (as well as the child or young person, the parents and the wider family);
  • Have the ability to challenge decisions and plans
  • Any complaint is to be taken seriously and to be dealt with fairly, promptly and without retribution
  • Any concerns about care are to be dealt with in a fair and prompt manner

Foster, relative and kinship carer’s responsibilities

• Provide care
  
  • Provide a caring home for the child, assuring safety and providing as near as possible to a normal life
  • Assist the child to cope with being a member of two families
  • Promote a positive view of the child’s biological family and help maintain connections to the family of origin
  • Strengthen links to the child’s culture, religion, language and spiritual beliefs
  • Assist with a Life Story Collection to help the child to understand why he or she is in care
  • Treat information about the child and the child’s family as confidential
  • Encourage the child’s learning and educational achievement
  • Safeguard the child’s personal records and property

• Work together
  
  • Work respectfully and cooperatively with families and agency staff
  • Allow workers to visit and support you on a regular basis and to see the child or young person on their own
  • Inform staff of relevant changes to the child’s needs or your family circumstances
  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Not act without approval on significant decisions

• Keep learning
  
  • Attend foster care meetings and training sessions
  • Contribute your perspective so that the alternative care system can continue to improve

• Seek help 
  • Ask for advice and help when you are not sure what to do
  • Accept help when it is needed