Out of Home Care

Do you believe in a better future? Do you have love to give and knowledge to share? Caring for a child is one of the most meaningful gifts you can offer. By opening your heart and your home, you can change a life and help a young person grow up strong in their story.

Our Out of Home Care Program

Winanga-li Out of Home Care provides culturally safe, supportive placements for Aboriginal children and young people who are in need of care and protection. Our focus is on preserving identity, nurturing belonging, and keeping strong connections to culture, family, and Country.

Every child deserves a safe, loving, and stable home - one that respects who they are and where they come from.

Types of Foster Care

Foster care is diverse in nature, with each placement tailored to meet the individual needs of the child and their family situation. Whether a placement is for a weekend or many years, our goal remains the same: to ensure every child feels safe, loved, and culturally supported.
We offer the following care arrangements:

Respite Care

Short-term support placements that provide rest and assistance for families or carers. These placements can last between two and 28 days.

Short-Term Care

Placements that may last from one month to two years, often while decisions are made about restoration to family or kinship care.

Long-Term Care

When restoration to family is not possible, a child may remain in care until the age of 18. These placements provide stability and continuity, ensuring each child can build strong, lasting relationships.

Kinship Care

When possible, children are placed with family members or people who share a close relationship with them, keeping connections to kin and community strong.

How We Support Our Carers

At Winanga-li, we walk alongside our carers every step of the way. Our carers are part of a caring community that shares a commitment to helping children grow up strong, connected, and confident.

Dedicated Caseworker Support

Each Winanga-li carer is assigned a dedicated caseworker who provides regular visits, guidance, and practical support. Caseworkers ensure the needs of both child and carer are met and help navigate any challenges that arise.

Training and Development

We offer ongoing training opportunities, including behaviour management, life story work, and culturally informed care. These programs help carers feel confident and supported in their role.

Financial Assistance

Carers receive financial support to cover the costs of providing care, including education, sport, and social activities - giving children the chance to thrive and explore new opportunities.

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Keeping Culture Strong

Our goal is always to keep Aboriginal children connected to culture, family, and Country.
We welcome both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal carers who share a commitment to nurturing a child’s cultural identity.
Winanga-li supports cultural engagement through:

A dedicated team of Aboriginal staff and caseworkers

Culture Camps and community-based learning

Gamilaraay language and cultural resources

Facilitating family contact and kinship connections

Providing cultural awareness training for carers

We believe every child should grow up proud of who they are and where they come from - surrounded by people who respect and celebrate their story.

Become a Carer

If you’re ready to make a difference in a child’s life, we’d love to hear from you. Join our caring community and help a child grow up strong, safe, and connected to culture.
Together, we can build a stronger future - one child, one family, and one community at a time.

Thank you for your enquiry. One of our team members will be in touch shortly.

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