You meet TCCG’s minimum age requirement.

Thank you for your interest. You must be at least 21 years old to become a TCCG Home-Based Out of Home Care carer. 

You meet this initial requirement. Evidence of your right to work will be checked later in the assessment process.

A current right to live and work in Australia is required for this role. If you are unsure about your visa conditions or work rights, please contact us before proceeding. We can explain what evidence will be required, but we cannot provide migration advice.

That is a good starting point. Your home will be assessed for safety and suitability during the application process. 

Please check your lease or speak with your landlord. You can also contact us to discuss what will be required before you make any changes.

That is a good start. We will discuss the room and view it during the home assessment. Room-sharing  depends on the children’s ages, relationships and individual needs.

For instance, teenagers generally need their own space, while younger siblings might be able to share a room under certain conditions. Each situation is unique, so we'll consider what's best for the children involved.

A suitable spare bedroom is generally required for TCCG Home-Based Out of Home Care. If you are planning to move or your household arrangements may change, please contact us when a room becomes available.

Household support provides a strong foundation. We will speak with household members as part of the assessment process.

It is important to discuss the decision fully with everyone who lives in your home. You may wish to contact us for information that can help with that conversation. 

A child cannot be placed in a home where household members do not support the arrangement.

Your availability appears consistent with the role. We will discuss your work, family and other commitments in more detail during assessment.

Availability is assessed individually. Please speak with us about your working arrangements and other commitments so we can consider whether the role may be workable.

You meet this initial practical requirement. Relevant documents and vehicle safety will be checked during assessment.

Reliable transport is generally required for this role.

Thank you. We will explain each check and who must complete it during the application process.

A criminal history or other concern does not necessarily result in automatic exclusion. Please speak with us confidentially so we can explain the assessment process.  

Required screening and safeguarding checks are mandatory. We cannot progress an application if an applicant or relevant household member is unwilling to complete them.

You can continue. A health assessment and further discussion form part of the application process.

Please contact us for a confidential discussion. We will focus on your capacity to meet the role’s responsibilities rather than on a diagnosis alone.

You understand an important safety requirement of the role. Home safety and household practices will be discussed during assessment.

Please contact us for a confidential discussion about the requirements and your circumstances.

TCCG cannot place a child in an environment that does not meet these safety requirements.

Your experience may provide useful foundations for the role. We will explore what you have learned and how it may transfer to out of home care.

Previous experience is helpful but is not an automatic requirement. Your overall suitability, capacity to learn and readiness for the role will be assessed.

This experience may be valuable. We will discuss your approach and the support you would need to apply it safely in a home-based care setting.

This does not automatically prevent you from applying. Training and ongoing support are provided, and your readiness to learn will be important.

This commitment is fundamental to culturally safe care. We will explore how you would put it into practice and what support you may need.

You do not need to know everything before applying. You must be open to learning, listening to children, families and cultural authorities, and following the child’s cultural plan.

Supporting a child’s identity, culture and important relationships is an essential requirement of the role. 

These skills are important for safe care and effective teamwork. We will explain the systems and records used by TCCG.

I may need some support: Some support and training can be provided. We will discuss what assistance you need and whether the essential requirements can be met reliably.  

No:The role requires carers to manage essential written, digital and communication tasks. If you build these skills in the future, you are welcome to reconsider applying.

Ongoing learning and reflective practice are essential parts of the role. We will provide more information about the training and support available.

We can explain the time commitment, content and support available before you decide whether to proceed.

Training, supervision and review are mandatory. We cannot progress an application where a person is unwilling to participate.

This is an important part of providing consistent and accountable care. These expectations will be covered in assessment and induction.

We can explain how responsibilities and decisions are shared between carers, TCCG, the Department and other members of the care team.

Working within agreed plans and professional boundaries is essential. This role is unlikely to be suitable if you are not willing to do so.

Your previous experience may be valuable. We will ask about your role, learning and the circumstances in which the care arrangement ended. If you are currently registered as a foster carer or with another provider,  please speak with us before taking further steps. Transferring registration or an existing placement is complex, is not automatic and requires consultation and approval.

Previous foster care experience is not required. TCCG provides induction, assessment and ongoing Practice Mentor support.

That connection may be a useful source of understanding and support. Your support network will be explored further during assessment.

That is completely fine. Many successful carers begin without knowing another carer. TCCG provides Practice Mentor support, training and opportunities to connect with others.

Steps to Become an Out of Home Care Carer

Step 1: Initial Contact and Eligibility Quiz

Start by talking with us about Out of Home Care and taking our eligibility quiz. This helps us get to know you and ensures you meet the basic requirements.

Step 2: Home Visit

If you think you meet the requirements we’ll schedule a visit to your home to learn more about you, answer any questions you might have, and assess the suitability of your house. During this visit, we’ll also outline the mandatory checks, health and safety, training and other requirements.

Step 3: Application and Assessment Forms

If everything looks good, the next step is to fill out the application and assessment forms. These forms help us gather detailed information about your background and suitability for providing out of home care.

Step 4: Formal Interview

We’ll conduct a formal interview with you, and if applicable, your partner or any other adults living in your home. This interview helps us understand your motivations, prior experiences and aptitude for out of home care.

Step 5: Induction Training

You’ll attend induction training to gain the essential skills needed to be an effective carer. This training covers everything you need to know to start your out of home care journey.  This takes 2 or 3 days and we are flexible to work around committments. 

Step 6: Final Review and Approval

We’ll conduct a final check of your home and review all the gathered information. If everything is in order, we’ll approve your registration as a carer, and you’ll be ready to welcome a child into your home.

If you think you meet the eligibility requirements or would like more information fill in your details below and we will get in contact with you.