When a child or young person’s own family is temporarily unable to care for them, emergency foster care can help.
DCJ emergency foster carers take children and young people into their home for a short time. They provide them with a supportive and stable environment, while restoration work or family finding occurs, so that in the long-term children can live with their relatives or kin.
It can be for a night, a weekend or up to 12 weeks, but your help will be felt for a lifetime.
I’m interested in starting my caring journey with DCJ
We’re looking for emergency foster carers to provide urgent care for children and young people so that children can return to their families when it is safe to do so.
Emergency foster care
Our carers take in children and young people at short notice, sometimes on evenings, or weekends. Placements can be for one night, a few days or up to 12 weeks. This type of care is known as Emergency Foster Care, and it’s a great way to see if foster care is right for you, or if you’re unable to make a longer-term commitment.
We're here to support you
All our carers receive training, support and an allowance to cover the day-to-day costs of caring.
Find out more about supports for foster carers below.
Who can be a carer?
Whether you rent or own your home, are single, a couple or a family, if you have room in your home and heart – we want to hear from you.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Aboriginal children and young people in care need more Aboriginal kinship and foster carers in NSW.
We strive to ensure children and young people are placed within their family, in their community and stay connected with their Aboriginal culture.
Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) can assist you in your fostering journey and support you along the way.
Get in touch with an Aboriginal organisation directly to find out more.
Find out more about foster, relative and kinship care
About foster care
Information about foster care and the role of a foster carer.
What to expect as a foster carer
The impacts to you and your family's life when considering fostering a child or children.
Busting the myths about fostering
Dispelling common myths about what it takes to become a foster carer.
About relative and kinship care
Information about relative and kinship care and how to apply, and maintaining ties to culture.