Information for families

How we help

We work alongside families who care for children unable to live with their birth parents. From accessing the system to funding and peer support, we’re your trusted source of truth for care support with practical guidance and information.

Our support includes:

Access to flexible funding to meet the unique and changing needs of your child.
Peer support groups where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
Practical resources to guide you through life stages, system navigation and trauma-informed care.
Advocacy and support from our Helpline service when you're struggling to get an outcome from a service or feel like you’re going in circles.
Support for young people aged 15 and 9 months up until 21 to help them transition to independent living through Better Futures and Home Stretch programs.

Call our helpline Email our team

What you need to know

Before finalising a care order, there are some key things to know:

Confirm your Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) carer allowance in writing. It will automatically drop to level 1 unless specifically negotiated before the order is finalised.
Flexible funding usually becomes available 12 months after finalisation, unless needs change earlier.
Ensure any financial considerations made by DFFH are agreed and documented.
Make sure your child has all essential documents: Medicare card, birth certificate, citizenship, and healthcare card.
Clarify contact arrangements with the birth family and record what’s agreed.
Secure Child Protection history – e.g. previous placements, contacts, places of residence, schools, family members’ names, medical history, and any other relevant information that can help explain a child’s history.
If your child is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, ensure a cultural plan and ATSI assessments are completed early.

Unsure what applies to you? Call our Helpline on 03 9020 1833 and choose option 1. We’re here to talk things through. We also have regular events, giving you the chance to learn more.

Call our helpline

Information for families

Whether you’re a new carer navigating a care order, or have been caring for years, PCA Families is here to support you.