Become a Foster Carer with MacKillop Family Services

Foster carers can make a real difference to a vulnerable child – providing stability, support and care.

MacKillop Family Services in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven local area is in real need of foster carers - for respite, weekend, short-term and long-term care.

Why Foster Carers Are Needed Locally

Foster carers can make a real difference in the life of a vulnerable child – providing stability, care and support when it’s needed most. In the Illawarra–Shoalhaven area, there is a growing need for foster carers to provide:

• Respite or part care
• Weekend care
• Short-term care
• Long-term care
• Emergency care
• Live-in care
• Learn all about the different types of care arrangements available to foster carers in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region.

About MacKillop Family Services

At MacKillop Family Services, they believe every child deserves the best – and that the best place for children is in a supportive, nurturing family where they can heal from past trauma and thrive.

Their vision is for all children, young people and families to be safe, thriving and connected to culture and community.

MacKillop Family Services work across ACT, NSW, NT, VIC and WA, delivering programs including:

• Foster, kinship and residential care
• Disability services
• Youth and homelessness support
• Alternative education schools and outreach
• Early intervention support for families

Who Can Be a Foster Carer?

Many different types of people can become foster carers. You don’t need to be married, own a large home or have children of your own. They welcome people from all backgrounds.

Foster carers provide a safe home for children and young people who are temporarily unable to live with their birth families, often due to trauma.

You can choose the type of care that suits you – for a weekend, a few weeks, a few months or longer.

How MacKillop Supports Foster Carers

MacKillop Family Services walks beside you every step of the way. Carers receive:

• Comprehensive training before you begin
• Ongoing professional development
• 24/7 support and guidance from our experienced team
• Financial assistance to help meet the needs of the child in your care
• Learn more here about foster carer support.

Why Choose to Foster with MacKillop?

• Strong reputation and decades of experience in child and family services
• Local presence in the Illawarra–Shoalhaven
• Wrap-around support for both carers and children
• A chance to make a lasting difference in a child’s life
• Hear directly from MacKillop foster carers and their families who have opened their door to children in need of safe and nurturing homes.

How to Enquire

There are several ways to get started:

• Join a free online information session via Zoom – learn more about fostering and ask questions.
• Call the foster care enquiry line on 1300 791 677.
• Complete the online Foster Carer Enquiry Form here.

Contact the Wollongong office directly:

• Suite 4, Level 1, 21 Auburn Street, Wollongong
• Phone: (02) 4250 5500