Become a Foster Carer – provide support for vulnerable children and young people
UMFC’s Care Services program ranges from general to intensive support for children and young people who are unable to live with their parents. The programs include foster care, kinship care and carer support.
Change a child’s life, become a foster carer
Change a Child’s Life — Become a Foster Carer
UMFC is seeking compassionate people from all walks of life to become foster carers.
UMFC supports foster carers across Wodonga, Albury and the wider North East Victoria region.
Your care matters.
Foster care provides children with the stability, support, and love they need to thrive.
Local children need local carers to keep them connected to their schools and communities.
Your impact lasts.
With training and ongoing support, UMFC empowers carers to make a lasting difference — offering safety, guidance, and a sense of belonging to children in need.
Enquire now to start the process of becoming a carer
Answer a few quick questions to start your foster care adventure
Events – Foster Care Information Sessions
UMFC run information sessions for those interested in becoming foster carers. Make a booking to attend one of our scheduled online or in-person sessions or contact our Team to arrange a session time that suits you!
You will never be alone in caring for a child or young person.
Foster Carers are supported by our Carer Assessment and Support Team (CAST) who recruit, assess and train new foster carers. They ensure carers are equipped, supported and provided with skills and knowledge to be able to provide a safe and stable environment for children and young people in their care.
We offer the following ongoing support:
- professional training in association with The Australian Childhood Foundation
- specialist training if you will be looking after Aboriginal children or children with special needs
- Regular contact from a Case Worker
- 24 hour on-call service offering emotional support and practical advice
- Nontaxable financial support to help cover the costs that come with being a foster carer
- Carer Support Groups, events and the chance to connect with other foster carers
- Read our Foster Care Information Pack below
- Attend an Information Session, with flexible options for online, in person and individual sessions
- Contact the UMFC Carer Assessment Support Team on 026055800 to register your interest. There is no commitment needed, our team can answer any questions you have.
There are many myths surrounding the eligibility associated with becoming a foster carer. In reality, there aren’t too many barriers to becoming involved. Some of the bigger misconceptions are that you have to be married or have a partner, that you must own your own home, not work or even be a full-time carer. None of these are correct and we welcome applicants from all walks of life regardless of gender, age, sexual preferences or religious beliefs.
Foster care does not have to be a full-time commitment, it also includes emergency, short term, and respite care. You are supported with regular contact with a case worker and have access to 24-hour help. There are training and development opportunities and you receive a non-taxable financial allowance. As a carer you can choose the age range of the children you care for, and you can choose the type of care you wish to provide. You don’t have to do it on your own – support and training is available 24/7.
To ensure children and young people are provided safe and stable care the process for becoming a carer can be intensive, however you can undertake this assessment and training at your own pace. Our staff are there throughout the whole process to support you and answer any questions you may have.
Meet Melanie – Foster Carer
“We’ve felt a real sense of achievement and satisfaction. I know we’ve made a difference.”
– Melany, Foster Carer
