Apply to be a Carer
Foster or Kinship Carer Information Pack
Who we are:
Alternate Care is a local Cairns based incorporated entity that has been operating in the Northern Region of Queensland with Department of Children, Youth Justice & Multicultural Affairs services and supporting community organisations.
Alternate Care is committed to respecting, protecting and promoting human rights. Under the Human Rights Act 2019, Alternate Care has an obligation to act in a way that is compatible with human rights and when making a decision, to give proper consideration to human rights.
Our organisation’s commitment is in North Queensland and has the support of the broader community who value the lives of ‘children/young people at risk’ and who are prepared to engage with government and communities of North Queensland so as to ensure better opportunities for those who are most vulnerable. Alternate Care has readily demonstrated this commitment as observed in its frontline involvement in assistance to children/young people and their families, which was provided immediately after Cyclone Larry, Cyclone Monica and preparation for evacuations associated with the Solomon Island Tsunami alert.
What we do:
Our Vision is to: ’measurably improve the lives of children/young people who are at most risk in Queensland’s Far North’.
Our Mission is to: ‘Ensure that children/young people in Queensland’s Far North who have moderate – high or complex - extreme needs will have greater opportunity to access services that are more flexible and responsive towards establishing their safety, enhancing their potential development and ensuring a positive identification with ‘self’ and subsequent wellbeing.’
Culture Statement: “Alternate Care’s culture is underpinned by empowerment, honesty, integrity, reflective practice and a passion for continued improvement.”
Why we do it:
As a community care team member, whose focus is on those who are most vulnerable, Alternate Care actively engages with children/young people at risk and their families. Feedback and observations from this group have been discussed with community leaders, Department of Children, Youth Justice & Multicultural Affairs personnel, approved Foster or Kinship Carers and members of other community agencies within Cairns, Innisfail, Atherton, Cooktown and smaller Cape York and Torres Strait communities.
Observations and discussions by our organisation regarding children/young people at risk in Far North Queensland indicate that there still exists a growing requirement for approved Foster or Kinship Carers to support children/young people with a range of support needs from moderate – high or complex – extreme. An observation that was substantiated in the 2004 Crime and Misconduct Commission’s (CMC) Public Inquiry into ‘the abuse of children/young people in Foster Care’.
Those who are responsible:
Alternate Care recognises the importance of carefully screened, trained and experienced frontline Care Workers and approved Foster or Kinship Carers and actively encourages further education and a commitment to lifelong learning.
All Care Workers and approved Foster or Kinship Carers are screened in accordance with the Department of Children, Youth Justice & Multicultural Affairs’ procedures and have been issued with ‘Blue Cards’ in accordance with the Blue Card Services. Our Care Workers and approved Foster or Kinship Carers embrace our core values of empowerment, honesty, integrity and a passion for continued improvement and quality assurance.
How do I apply to be a Foster or Kinship Carer
If after reading the Alternate Care Information Pack you wish to apply to be an approved Foster or Kinship Carer, you need to contact the Operations Manager – Foster Care on 07 4031 0460.
An independent Assessor will then contact you to assist you with completing an application form and to conduct a comprehensive Foster Carer Assessment. This Assessment includes; medical and health information; personal history; household safety study; criminal history check; blue card application; and general suitability to become an approved Foster or Kinship Carer. The Assessment will include information about yourself, your partner and any other household members.
Part of the approval process requires compulsory attendance to the Quality Care Foster Carer training. This consists of a Pre-Service training, Standards training and Advanced training. The Pre-Service training must be completed prior to the initial Foster Carer approval.
Do I need a Blue Card:
All approved Foster or Kinship Carers must hold a valid Blue Card at all times. Part of the application for a Foster Carer Blue Card requires the completion of a Volunteer Foster/Kinship Carer or Adult Member Blue/Exemption Card application, which must be provided to the Department of Children, Youth Justice & Multicultural Affairs.
Please note that your Blue Card is valid for a 3 year period, and must be kept up to date at all times. Also, anyone who is 18 years or older that lives in an approved Foster or Kinship Carer’s home must also have a valid Blue Card.
Who approves me to be a Foster Carer:
The Assessment that is conducted is provided to Alternate Care for recommendation. If Alternate Care decides to proceed with the Assessment, it is provided to the Department of Children, Youth Justice & Multicultural Affairs who process the application, criminal history checks and Blue Card application and give the final approval.
How long does my approval last:
The initial Foster Carer approval is for 12 months only. During this time the compulsory Quality Care Standards Training must be completed by the approved Foster or Kinship Carer/s.
Prior to the expiry of your initial Foster Carer approval date, the Assessor will contact you to conduct a compulsory twelve month review Assessment. This Assessment is forwarded to Alternate Care for recommendation and from Alternate Care to Department of Children, Youth Justice & Multicultural Affairs for approval.
Your approval will then be re-assessed every 2 years from this date.
Changes to Circumstances:
If your circumstances change during your approval period, you must notify Alternate Care as soon as possible. These changes include change of household members, change of address or relationship breakdown. The Department of Children, Youth Justice & Multicultural Affairs requires all changes in circumstances to be re-assessed to inform the approval process.
Reimbursement of Expenses:
Approved Foster or Kinship Carers are reimbursed directly by the Department of Children, Youth Justice & Multicultural Affairs. The Department of Children, Youth Justice & Multicultural Affairs identifies the support needs of the child/young person and the approved Foster or Kinship Carer is paid on a sliding scale according to this assessment. Reviews to the support needs of the child/young person are performed every six months by the Department of Children, Youth Justice & Multicultural Affairs.
Out of this reimbursement, approved Foster or Kinship Carers are expected to pay for the child/young person including, but not excluded to: school and educational expenses, including school excursions; health, dental and medical expenses; public transport expenses, including bus fares; clothing and uniforms; pocket money; food and personal items.
Reporting/Feedback Processes:
Approved Foster or Kinship Carers are required to submit Incident Reports for behaviours/incidents that are out of the ordinary.
Approved Foster or Kinship Carers are also provided with a Complaints Report and Feedback Form where issues may be recorded and communicated to Alternate Care. Approved Foster or Kinship Carers are encouraged to use these forms and relay any issues, concerns or complaints that they have to Alternate Care on a regular basis.
Will I receive support as a Foster or Kinship Carer?
Alternate Care will provide ongoing support to approved Foster or Kinship Carers with a child/young person in their care. Approved Foster or Kinship Carers will receive regular contact and visits from Alternate Care to assist and support them in issues that will arise while they are providing support to a child/young person.