Foster Care Week 2025 will take place from Sunday 14 September to Saturday 20 September 2025.
The theme of Foster Care Week 2025 is ‘Time to Care’. This highlights the contribution that foster carers make to the lives of children and young people in our community.
On any given day in Victoria, there can be up to 1,400 children and young people in foster care.
The Victorian Government thanks every foster carer for their generosity and commitment. This dedication makes a positive impact in the lives of many Victorian children and young people.
Leonie’s story
Leonie became an accredited foster carer in 1985. In 40 years of caring, she has provided a nurturing, stable and safe home for over 300 children.
‘There are all sorts of carers that are needed… and there are many different types of care that we need,’ said Leonie.
Leonie is actively involved in the lives of these children, as well as their families. She takes the children to visits with their families, cultural activities and appointments. She also advocates for their needs with the professionals that support children, young people and their families.
‘I really, really encourage people to look up your local foster agency and just have a talk with them,’ said Leonie.
Leonie won the Carer Award in the 2023 Victorian Protecting Children Awards.
Read about the inspiring 2025 Foster Carer Award winner on the Victorian Protecting Children Awards .
If you are interested in joining incredible people like Leonie to make a positive impact on a child or young person’s life, see below for more information.
Becoming a foster carer
Foster care is provided by people who make a conscious decision to become an accredited and registered carer.
Being a foster carer can be a positive and life-changing experience. It makes a difference for you, the child and young person in your care and their family, and your extended loved ones and community.
The Victorian foster carer community does incredible and rewarding work. However, more foster carers are needed.
You can become a foster carer and make a real difference in someone’s life.
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, please go to the Fostering Connections for more information or find your local foster care agency on the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing information for foster carers .
More information
Learn more about foster care in Victoria on the Foster Care Association of Victoria .
Reviewed 31 August 2025