Foster care is utilized in circumstances where birth parent(s) are unable or unwilling to take care of their child. It may be in the wake of a behavioral problem, which calls for a specialized treatment. Or it could be owing to a temporary illness of the birth parent, which curtails them to take care of their offspring for a short term.
Foster carers are recruited by the community service organizations. They provide care to children and youths who are unable to live at home due to the risk of abuse or neglect. Placements offer a safe living arrangement for these children temporarily, from birth to an age of 18.
Training and Assistance
A foster parent is entitled to receive intensive training, which is sponsored by the placement agency. Monetary assistance is also extended to help foster parents meet the child's day to day expenses. The amount of reimbursement varies from state to state and even city to city.
Reunification
The foster caring concludes with the reunion of the child with his or her biological parents. This reunion takes place either at 18 or when the State decides that the conditions are suitable. In exceptional cases, the child is adopted by the foster parents for good.
Keeping in mind the complications involved, the Australian government runs numerous placement agencies to make the process of adoption easier and fruitful for the foster parents. If you are yet to decide or feel the need for more information, do refer http://www.cyf.vic.gov.au, which is the official "care for youth and families" website by the state government of Victoria, Australia.