Emergency Foster Care

When family life experiences an unexpected crisis, children and young people need immediate safety and comfort. Emergency foster care provides short-term, urgent housing for children who cannot safely remain in their home while long-term plans are developed.

What is emergency foster care?

Emergency foster care is temporary care provided at short notice to protect a child’s immediate wellbeing. Crises can happen without warning due to sudden illness, family distress or sudden changes in home circumstances.

How long does an emergency foster care placement last?

An emergency foster care placement usually lasts anywhere from a few nights to a few weeks. During this time, caseworker teams work closely with birth families to assess the situation while the child stays in a safe, nurturing environment. Family Spirit provides round-the-clock support to households offering emergency foster care in NSW, ensuring you feel confident and supported when opening your home at short notice.

How does a foster care emergency placement work?

When a child requires urgent support, our team contacts approved carers who have expressed availability for short-term assistance. Because these situations happen quickly, carers receive essential details and practical resources right away.

During a foster care emergency placement, your primary role is to offer warmth, routine and emotional stability. Children entering emergency care may feel overwhelmed, so having a calm environment helps them settle while long-term care plans are organised. As part of our foster care services, our case managers assist with medical care, schooling needs and essential supplies throughout the stay.

Provide immediate safety for a child in crisis

Urgent situations require compassionate people who can step up with short-notice comfort and shelter. If you have a welcoming home and the flexibility to help a young person in need, contact our team to learn how you can become a foster carer with Family Spirit. Your swift response can give a child safety and peace of mind when they need it most.

Get in touch

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Our Location

We provide services from our premises in Bankstown in Sydney.

Level 3, 2 Meredith Street Banktown NSW 2200

Feedback & Complaints

At Family Spirit we want to hear from you. Sharing your compliments, suggestions, and complaints is key to ensuring we continue to provide the best possible care and service, while also safeguarding the wellbeing of the children and young people in our care.

We encourage you to share your feedback with us directly.

For complaints, please contact us at: complaints@familyspirit.org

Foster Care FAQ’S

Find the answers to some frequently asked questions about becoming a foster carer.

Visit our FAQs