Collective Caring is a service that is driven by the desire to focus on the stability, healing and wellbeing of children and families in our community.
Collective Caring is a specialist child and family out-of-home care service supporting carers and professionals across Australia. We bring 40 years of combined professional experience to the sector. Our focus is the stability, healing and wellbeing of children and families in our community.
We can help with the changing systems and needs of families, we deliver services that are unique to the agency and the referral. From carer assessments to individual sessions and support, we can assist you and approach a referral through a professional, relational, and creative framework.
Comprehensive Foster Care Services
Our comprehensive range of services supports every stage of the caring journey. We provide assessments, initial training for new carers, and ongoing learning programs. Individual support sessions help carers navigate evolving needs and challenges in out-of-home arrangements.
We offer a growing library of accessible online courses nationwide. This makes professional development more convenient for carers across Australia. Our courses cover practical strategies for supporting children healing from trauma.
Trauma Informed Care Approach
Collective Caring specialises in trauma informed care. We recognise that children and young people often carry complex trauma histories. Our trauma informed care approach equips carers with practical strategies to understand and respond to specialised needs. We work alongside carers to help them create healing environments for children.
This dual focus on both child wellbeing and carer capability sets us apart. We provide tailored, relational responses to every referral and agency. Our professional, creative responses address complex care situations effectively.
Collective Caring recognises the importance of having a parallel focus of providing support to carers as well as the resources necessary to provide trauma informed support.
Foster Care across Australia
We provide specialist support and assessments for foster carers across Australia. Each State or Territory has unique regulatory frameworks and support systems. Our team understands the specific requirements for foster and kinship care across each State. We help carers navigate state-based processes and compliance requirements.
Kinship Care Support
Kinship care involves family members or close family friends caring for children. Kinship care often involves existing relationships and different family dynamics. We provide kinship care assessments and support services. Our kinship care programs recognise the unique strengths and challenges of family-based placements.
Both types of care aim to provide safe, stable homes. Children who cannot live with their parents need consistent, nurturing environments. Our specialist trauma informed care training helps all carers respond effectively to children’s needs.
Resources
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Why Choose Collective Caring
Founded by Hayley Toon and Kat Baulch, we bring deep expertise to the sector. Our 40 years of combined professional experience informs every service we deliver. We understand the complexities of out-of-home care and family arrangements.
Our tailored, relational approach means we respond to your specific circumstances. We don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we work collaboratively with carers, children and agencies. This personalised support builds carer capability and improved outcomes for children.
We provide professional, creative responses to complex care situations. Our growing library of online courses makes learning accessible nationwide. Whether you’re exploring caring options, completing your assessment, or seeking ongoing support, we’re here to help.
Ready to learn more about our services? Contact us today to discuss how we can support your caring journey. We also invite you to explore our full range of services for carers and professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between foster care and kinship care?
Foster care involves caring for children who are not related to you, while kinship care involves family members or close family friends caring for children. Both require assessment and support. Kinship care often involves existing relationships and different family dynamics. Both types of care aim to provide safe, stable homes for children who cannot live with their parents.
How long does a foster carer assessment take?
Assessment timelines vary depending on individual circumstances and the assessing organisation. The process typically involves application, home visits, reference checks, training completion and formal assessment reports. Most assessments take several weeks to complete thoroughly. We work at a pace that suits your family while ensuring all requirements are met comprehensively and professionally.
What support do foster carers receive from Collective Caring?
We provide foster carer assessments, initial training, ongoing learning and development programs, individual support sessions and access to online courses. Our trauma informed care approach equips carers with practical strategies. We offer tailored support that responds to your specific circumstances and the needs of children in your care. Our parallel focus supports both carer wellbeing and child outcomes.
Can I become a foster carer if I work full-time?
Many foster carers work full-time or part-time. The key consideration is whether you can meet the needs of the child in your care. Some types of foster care require more availability than others. During assessment, we discuss your work commitments, support networks and capacity to provide stable care. Flexible arrangements and kinship care options may suit working families well.
What is trauma informed care and why does it matter?
Trauma informed care is an approach that recognises how trauma affects children’s behaviour, emotions and development. It prioritises safety, connection and empowerment in daily interactions. Children in out of home care often have complex trauma histories. Understanding trauma responses helps carers provide appropriate support and create healing environments. We train carers in practical trauma informed care strategies that make a real difference.