Foster care takes many forms and some may be more suited to your circumstances than others.

Emergency care - as little as a day or sometimes up to two weeks. Placements may be needed at short notice any time during the week, weeknights or weekends.

Temporary care - short-term care required from two weeks through to two years. At the end of temporary care a child or young person may return to their family or be placed in long term care.

Respite care - usually takes place on weekends or school holidays. Carers provide planned regular respite breaks for foster families and an extended support network for the child.

Long term care - for children and young people who need a family until their own family circumstances change or they turn 18.

Fresh Start - a long term therapeutic foster care program for children aged 4-12 years, run by Anglicare SA in partnership with the Australian Childhood Foundation. Foster carers work in a team with social workers and other professionals to help children heal from the effects of abuse, trauma or loss.

Break Away - a weekend respite program for children in care. Foster carers live in the Break Away house for one weekend a month and assist with activities and general duties. Children in the Break Away house get a chance to do new and fun activities.