Foster Care

Open your heart, open your home to a child in need.

We believe every child deserves to feel safe and supported. MercyCare works closely with foster carers to make a difference to each child and their unique needs. Together we can build safe, hopeful and successful futures.

Want to learn more about fostering with MercyCare?
Start your journey here.

Why choose to be a foster carer with MercyCare?

True support True support

From the moment you enquire to a child being part of your family, we will support you every step of the way. Carerd have their own dedicated case worker and receives 24/7 support.

The right fit The right fit

We listen to the needs of the child and the needs of the family to find the right match for both.

Part of a team

When you join MercyCare, you join a team of foster carers with regular events, support and access to holiday activities, camps and carer respite.

Listening and acting Listening and acting

We take the time to listen, understand and act on the voice and needs of our Foster Carers. We put the needs of the child and carers at the centre.

Training Training

We provide you with the tools, resources and support needed to help you grow and thrive as a foster carer.

We are not for profit We are not-for-profit

We are an organisation that is led by our mission and our values, with respect, integrity, compassion, justice, excellence and courage always at our centre.

As a foster parent, the value of having a team that listens, supports, advises and advocates without a bias or judgment is immeasurable. In nine years of being with the MercyCare Fostering Services Programme it has been my experience that the team has given 120% in all these areas to both myself and the children in my care. They have helped to make our continuing journey through fostering a wonderful and rewarding experience and have become a valued extension to our family unit.”

Janet, 51

Foster Carer

“I wanted to become a foster parent because I enjoy the company of children, and believe their care is very important to our future. Yes, I did have my doubts, I was worried whether doing my best would be enough to make the child comfortable. It turned out my doubts were unfounded. When young Tim came to us he had been with many other foster families. He fitted in well with the family, and when he was about ready to leave he said, ‘You know this hasn’t been like the others, it is more like a home’.” 

Hanna, 32 

Foster Carer

“We have had a sibling group for eight years now, and it has been very rewarding for both the children and us. Keeping the group together helps maintain the strong family bond between the children and made it easier for them to settle into our family.”

 Nathan, 39 

Foster Carer

“Fostering is a great way to make a difference in someone’s life.” 

Bella, 23 

Foster Carer

“My youngest daughter brought a newsletter home from school with information about being a foster carer and asked us if we could do it. My husband and I had brought up a family, with the oldest already leaving home. The house was starting to feel empty so we decided to fill it up again.” 

Francine, 45

Foster Carer

“My youngest daughter brought a newsletter home from school with information about being a foster carer and asked us if we could do it. My husband and I had brought up a family, with the oldest already leaving home. The house was starting to feel empty so we decided to fill it up again.” 

Paula, 57

Foster Carer

Please note: The name and ages of testimonials have been changed due to privacy reasons.