Children need families, families need community. The local Church can provide both.
Responding to God’s heart for vulnerable children and families.
Across Australia, vulnerable children and families are navigating complex challenges.
Foster and kinship carers carry significant responsibility as they care for children who have experienced loss, trauma, and ongoing uncertainty.
While more foster carers are needed, this is about more than recruitment. It’s about ensuring children and families are surrounded by safe, supportive community where they can experience connection, belonging and hope.
The local church is uniquely placed to respond.
The Church as family.
A place of belonging.
The church is more than a gathering; it is a family. Throughout Scripture, God’s people are called to welcome the lonely, bear one another’s burdens, and create places of belonging.
The church has something unique and powerful to offer: relationships, hospitality, practical support, and a community committed to walking alongside people through life’s challenges.
We don’t all have to do the same thing. But we can all do something.
Becoming the kind of community that shows up for vulnerable children and families…
The goal isn’t to launch a whole new ministry program or respond to every need. It’s to take meaningful steps that fit your context and capacity.
We walk alongside local churches as they discern practical next steps that fit their culture, capacity, and community. We’ll provide guidance, resources, and ongoing support every step of the way.
Identify an Advocate
We’ll come alongside an Advocate (or team of Advocates) to represent this area of ministry within your church – raising awareness and providing pathways for people to respond.
Create Support Systems
Three or four Support Friends provide ongoing relational support for Foster and Kinship Care families and a Resource Team helps to meet practical support needs.
Build Supportive Community
Your church family provides prayer, encouragement, community and connection for children and families into existing ministries.
Foster Care Sunday
Foster Care Sunday is a simple way to help your church engage in this space.
Whether it’s a brief moment or whole service focus, Foster Care Sunday can be adapted to suit churches of different sizes, traditions, and contexts.
It’s not a new ministry to run, or a long-term commitment to make. It’s simply a practical first step.
Not sure where to start?
Whether your church is just beginning to explore this space, or already supporting vulnerable children and families, we’d love to have a conversation about what meaningful engagement could look like for your church.
You are also invited to join an Information Session to learn more about who we are and how the local church can help change the story for children and families in the Out-of-Home Care space.