Author Description

The 'Working Together to Care for Kids Survey' was commissioned by the Australian Government to learn more about the characteristics and needs of carers of children in out-of-home care in Australia, to help inform support policies and practices. 2,203 foster and kinship carers were interviewed in late 2016 regarding their characteristics and circumstances, experiences of service support and training, motivations and challenges, and wellbeing and family relationships. Participants were also asked about: children's previous experience of abuse and problems at home, children's development, contact between children and parents, types of services and supports used and their perceived helpfulness, barriers to support, the Grandparent Adviser Phone Line, preparedness for the caring role, and likelihood of looking after other children. The study also compared foster and kinship carers and male and female carers. Overall, the findings provide a national picture of carers and the multiple and complex challenges they face.