Aboriginal Foster & Kinship Care
RivMed Foster & Kinship Care is about providing culturally safe care and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and their families and carers. The Foster & Kinship Care team support carers and our children and young people with access to education, social & emotional wellbeing, and behavioural support needs as well as supporting young people to remain connected to their family, culture, & community.
Our Foster & Kinship Care caseworkers and program managers follow a trauma-informed, strengths-based program that empowers children, families and carers to feel nurtured through their connections .
Become a Carer
Thinking about being a foster carer is a big commitment and can bring some challenges, however the difference you can make in the life of a child can be big. As a carer dedicated to providing a safe nurturing and cultural supported care environment you can make a positive change in a child’s life.
As a foster carer you are never alone — you will receive in-depth training and continued support by the skilled Carer Support Team. Fostering a child can be a long, hard journey, but it’s not something you need to undertake alone. Our caseworkers offer support and advocacy, as well as ongoing training. We like to think of foster families as part of our larger RivMed family, where we all come together to promote a sense of belonging and community.
Types of Foster Care
Kinship Care – Kinship carers are extended family members who care for a child or young person who can no longer live with their parents.
Respite Care – Respite care is short-term care provided by carers who are not the child’s primary carers and is usually planned in advance. It is generally an opportunity to give the primary carer a short break and it usually occurs on weekends or during school holidays.
Emergency and Short-Term Care – Emergency and short-term foster carers are called on at short notice and usually provide care from overnight to up to several weeks. Generally, short-term care means ongoing care for a child for up to six months.
Long-Term Care – This is generally ongoing care for a child for more than six months and could be for several years.
Other Agency Carer Transfers – This is for carers transferring from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) or another service provider to RivMed. Because all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children require culturally appropriate support, the aim is for all of our children in care to be supported by Aboriginal-managed agencies.
How to access the Permanency
Support Program (PSP)
PSP Clients are referred to RivMed for services. However, please contact us for more information about the service.
- Email: carerteam@rivmed.org.au
- Tel: (02) 6927 0400
- Fax: (02) 6927 0444
- 30-32 Hammond Ave Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
