Foster Care

Foster care is about providing a positive, safe and nurturing environment for children when their family is in some sort of crisis or need and it is impossible for them to remain at home. One of the main aims of foster care is to support the family unit and work towards the children returning to their family of origin. 

Long Term Foster Care

Sometimes the Children’s Court makes a ruling that it is in the best interests of children and young people for them to be placed under a Care and Protection Order. The Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services then becomes responsible for the child and may decide that foster care is the best way of caring for the child or young person until a time when it is possible for them to return home. 

Foster care shares the care and responsibility of meeting the child or young person’s needs and gives children and young people individual attention, love and care in a family setting. The period of care is dependent on the child or young person’s family addressing the areas of concern. Children and young people in care may be placed under a 4 week order, a 12 month order or an 18 year order. 

Foster Carer Support

Kennerley believe that foster carers who are well supported find fostering more rewarding and provide a higher standard of care. To ensure that all carers are supported in their task of caring, Kennerley provides ongoing training throughout the year covering many relevant and interesting topics. In addition, Kennerley staff provide support and assistance to carers by organising regular visits and phone calls to touch base. Various resources are available from the office including equipment, books and information on relevant topics. Carers can seek support on any issue during office hours. The after hours phone support can assist you with any urgent issues and in cases of emergency there is 24 hour telephone support.

Cottage Care

Cottage care provides the opportunity for carers to provide long term foster care for children in a traditional family setting. Kennerley currently runs seven cottages throughout Southern Tasmania. These cottages offer an opportunity for siblings or sibling groups to be reunited and housed together in a safe, family environment. While it is not always possible or viable for siblings to be housed together, it is the aim of our Cottage Care program to attempt where possible to place siblings together. Carers are required to move and to live in the cottages and to make these cottages a home for themselves and the children in their care. 

Emergency Respite

Kennerley provides respite and emergency care for children and young adults from birth to 18 years of age. Placements can range from overnight up to 28 days. The program is designed to offer support for families in times of crisis; for example sudden hospitalisation or homelessness. Sometimes the pressures of parenting can be difficult. Many parents do not have family or friends to assist or provide support. Respite care can give parents a well earned break to regenerate and face the challenges of parenting with renewed strength. 

Independent Living Program

 The Moving On program is for young adults aged 15-25 who are leaving care or who are referred by an agency because of personal hardship or homelessness.  The client group lives semi independently, supervised by a lead tenant who is responsible for imparting life skills such as hygiene, health, education, cooking, employment opportunities, and where to find services.  The aim is for young people to be found independent accommodation within six to twelve months so that others can move in and benefit from the program.