The Teenage Foster Care Program is where homeless young people between the ages of 12 to 18 are provided with a place to live within a ‘family’ home and supported by the members of that household and the YFC staff.

Young people become homeless for a variety of reasons. They may have been living in an abusive or violent home and are removed for their own safety or perhaps, a family breakdown where the natural parents have been unable to care for their children.

What's the difference between foster carers and lead tenants?
Foster care is home-based day-to-day care within the home environment while Lead tenancy relates to the concept of housemates living together.

Foster carers look after children and young people in their own home by:

• Providing care, support and stability in a caring home environment

• Helping the young people keep in touch with their parents, brothers, sisters and other significant people through regular planned visits

• Being involved in the ‘care team’ which consists of parents, foster carer, case worker, child protection worker and any other significant adults who work together to share parenting responsibilities while the child is living away from home

• To be a committed Christian and be a positive role model for the young person.

• To provide a safe and supportive environment for the young person that takes into account physical, emotional and developmental needs.

• To relate to the young person in a respectful and nonthreatening manner that is appropriate to age, gender and culture.

• To help the young person learn practical living skills and assist in working towards a recognised case plan and placement goals.

• To work as a team player with YFC, abiding by its decisions that have been made in negotiation with the TFC workers and participate in YFC training sessions and support meetings.

Time commitment
We ask that you commit for a minimum of 12 months to the TFC Program, this includes regular review periods. You may or may not have a young person stay for the entire duration but that you would be available to consider possible referrals and to participate in training. Long term placements are subject to trial assessments in order to consider whether the placement is likely to be a success.

Support
YFC provides practical and financial support and it is expected that the carers receive support from within their church community. Support includes regular meetings with care givers and young people, after hours on-call service, specialised training and an opportunity to meet with other care givers.

Lifestyle changes
It’s important to be aware that having a young person living with you may require a number of lifestyle changes. If you have children, think carefully about their needs and make sure you talk to them about this.

A young person in foster care may display difficult behaviours. This at times can be frustrating. It is important to recognise that the child or young person may have had a number of difficult experiences, including separation, grief and loss.

Challenges
Foster carers need to have enough time, energy and space available (both physically and emotionally) to support a young person in need.

Benefits
Foster carers and lead tenants have the privilege of developing positive relationships with young people who may have had limited experiences of loving and supportive relationships. The relationship with the foster carers and lead tenants can have a significant impact on their future in bringing about change through hope and healing and, where possible, reuniting young people with their families.

Personal growth may come through facing challenges, learning skills and becoming aware of your strengths.

• Make initial inquiry to register your interest and you will receive the foster care information pack.

• Lodge YFC Volunteer Application Form.

• Participate in an information session, held at YFC or in your own home.

• Lodge official application forms which includes life history and screening check forms (police, working with children, medical and referee check).

• Participate in YFC assessment and pre-service training (Shared stories, shared lives. Two days of training.)

• The assessment will include a home and environment check and four interviews.

• The summary report and recommendations is submitted to the approval panel. The panel is made up of three YFC staff, a Department of Human Services representative and an external agency representative.

• Approval is granted for a period of twelve months, you will be asked to sign a code of conduct agreement as part of your approval.

• You receive support and supervision from YFC, you are required to participate in ongoing training and adhere to YFC policies and the minimum standards for home based care.

• Approval is reviewed after twelve months and annually thereafter.

Want to know more? Why not fill in a volunteer application inquiry form today? Be sure to specify TEENAGE FOSTER CARE as your area of interest.