What is Out of Home Care?
Out of Home Care is the name for alternative accommodation and support provided to children who are unable to live with their immediate family. It seeks to meet all the child’s needs in a safe environment.
Why is Kwaba Bidi involved in Out of Home Care?
While done with the best of intentions, Out of Home Care has traditionally neglected the different needs of Aboriginal children from non-Aboriginal children.
Although we believe Aboriginal children should only enter Out of Home Care when there are no other options, we want to make sure those who do enter care are provided with the right support. We will try to match Aboriginal children with Aboriginal carers where possible, and work to help Aboriginal children remain connected to their Country, family, community and culture.
What types of care does Kwaba Bidi support?
Kwaba Bidi supports Aboriginal children in the South West region by assisting with two types of Out of Home Care:
Short Break Care
Foster carers who provide short breaks support a child’s primary placement often for example, one weekend a fortnight or month in their own home.
Short Term Care
When a child first comes into care, there is likely to be uncertainty about how long it is going to be until they can be reunified with a parent or caregiver. The child will most likely be placed into short term care, which can be anywhere from a couple of days up to two years in some circumstances.
Long Term Care
Children in Out of Home Care who are unable to be reunified with a parent or caregiver quickly, may need Long Term Care. The best hope is that a care arrangement will be found with foster carers who can provide a care arrangement for the child until they can return to their family or turn 18 years old.
Becoming a Foster Family
If you choose to become a Foster Carer with Kwaba Bidi’s Out of Home Care service, you won’t be working alone in your journey. We strongly believe that every child should be provided with a safe, nurturing and positive environment where they are comfortable with themselves, feel culturally safe and supported by the carer.
Being a Foster Family is one of the most challenging yet rewarding things you’ll ever do. We work collaboratively with you to ensure the best outcomes for the foster child and their foster family.