Become a Carer
Become A Carer with NJ
At Ngunya Jarjum, caring is about community, connection, and empowering children and young people so they feel safe, supported, and strong in who they are. We welcome individuals and families who are open-hearted and committed to providing care that respects each child’s identity, culture, family, and story.
There are different ways you can care, depending on what works best for your family and the child — whether occasional, flexible, or ongoing. We’ll take the time to yarn with you, understand what feels right, and work together to find the best fit.
Before caring for a child or young person, carers are supported through a training, assessment, and accreditation process. We know this can feel like a big step, and we will walk beside you at every step of the way.
Please complete our enquiry form or call 6626 3700 to have a yarn, learn more about the options available, and ask any questions you may have.
Here are the ways you can help
Kinship Care
Kinship care places a child or young person with a relative or someone they already know, like a grandparent. In Aboriginal communities, kin can be a family member or someone who shares a strong cultural or community bond. This type of care helps children stay connected to their roots and avoid the trauma of being placed in an unfamiliar environment. Sadly, not every child has family or kin available to care for them, which is why foster carers from the broader community are so essential.
Long Term Care
Long-term carers provide stability, safety, and security for a vulnerable child or young person who can’t return home for an extended period, or possibly at all. This type of care may be needed for several years or until the child reaches adulthood.
Short Term & Medium Term Care
Some children and young people need temporary care while their families work on making necessary changes or await decisions about their long-term future. These placements can last for several months.
Respite Care
Everyone needs a break sometimes, including parents and carers. Respite care offers short-term support, such as over a weekend, once a month, or during school holidays, giving the child’s regular carers a much-needed rest.
Emergency Care
Emergency care provides a safe and secure place for a child or sibling group when there are immediate concerns about their safety. This type of care is often needed at very short notice, with referrals coming in 24/7.
Find out more about becoming a carer by reading our Foster & Kinship Care Information Booklet.
We’d love to have you join our caring community and help us make a lasting impact on the lives of our jarjums. If you’re ready to apply, complete our application form.
Who can be a carer?
- To be a carer you need to be:
- Over 18 years of age
- An Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Able to obtain clear Working with Children Check (WWCC) and National Criminal Record Check (NCRC)
- Willing to complete a health check, referee checks and a Household Safety Inspection
- Willing to take part in assessment, training and ongoing support
- Committed to keeping Aboriginal children connected to their families and cultures
- You might be:
- Single or partnered
- Working full-time, part-time or at home
- Renting or owning your home
- With or without children
- From any culture, ethnicity, faith, sexuality or gender identity/expression
Walking Alongside Our Carers
We work in partnership with carers, offering consistent, culturally safe, and trauma-informed support so you feel confident, supported, and never alone in your caring role.
24/7 On-Call Support
Our after-hours on-call service means help is always available during crises, day or night.
Carer Allowance & Financial Support
Carers receive an allowance and financial support to help meet a child’s everyday needs.
Dedicated Care Team
Our dedicated Care Team is available to offer support tailored to your needs.
Ongoing Training & Support
We provide ongoing training and guidance around behaviour, trauma, and individual care needs.
New Carer Enquiries
Fill out our new carer enquiry form and a member of the carer support team will get back to you.