About caring
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Although Barnardos has hundreds of carers who work directly with children we always need more. There are a number of different programs and ways you can help.
Carers for Short Term or Long Term Care are the backbone of many Barnardos programs and they cover a wide range of ages and circumstances.
Many children in Barnardos care have experienced abuse and neglect and may be confused, angry, withdrawn and aggressive and initially have problems with their schoolwork and with making friends.
Barnardos tries to keep siblings together and children close to supports, networks and educational and cultural groups that are important to them.
Barnardos carers share many common traits. With the support of a Barnardos worker they are able to:
- offer care to a young person or sibling group who may have behavioural and emotional problems
- deal with sometimes difficult behaviour
- overcome uncertainty about how a child in their care may develop.
You can help Barnardos by becoming a:
Permanent Carer – offering a permanent foster home to a child which may lead to adoption. Click here for more information on Permanent Care & Adoption
Temporary Family Care- Offering short-term placements for children and young people in the community Click here for more information on Crisis & Respite Care
Adoptive Parent – taking on all the rights and responsibilities of the birth parents for a child or a young person through a legal process. Click here for more information on
Permanent Care & Adoption
Foster Carer – offering a home environment with stability, patience and care. Click here for more information on Foster Care & Adoption
Bridging Carer – provides short term or "bridging" foster placements for children who are permanently removed from their family. Click here for more information on
Permanent Care & Adoption
Respite Carer – committing to taking a child into your home for one weekend every month, to relieve the pressure on foster families and families under stress. Click here for more information on Crisis & Respite Care
Community Placement Carer – offering a stable living situation to a homeless young person. Click here for more information on Permanent Care & Adoption
Kids Friends– becoming a Friend or Tutor to mentor a child for a few hours once a week. Click here for more information on Tutoring & Mentoring & Kids Friends
Payment
Depending upon which program you join, you will be or paid an allowance.
Background, Preparation and Training
Carers are carefully matched with children, with consent on both sides. When you join Barnardos you will be a respected member of our professional team.
A number of information sessions are conducted for carers, and if you decide to proceed, Barnardos will need to have a number of meetings with you and your family. Police and referee checks are compulsory.
You will be expected to undertake training on an ongoing basis, and your Barnardos worker will always be there to offer 24 hour support. Regular information sessions will give you details about the welfare of the child in your care and the protocols of dealing with different situations.
