IFYS Foster Care – Cairns

IFYS has been providing foster care support to children and families for more than thirty years. The organisation is committed to ensuring that children and young people in its care are reunited with their families whenever it is safe to do so.

The service is contracted to support children and young people living in Cairns. Since every child and young person has different needs, the type of care and support required also varies. Carers come from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences, offering emergency, respite, short, medium and long‑term care depending on their own availability and preferences.

What is community‑based foster care?

When families are unable to provide children and young people with the care they need, another caring arrangement may be required.

Foster care is one option that supports children, young people and their families during times of crisis. Families may experience difficulties for many reasons, and most are able to recover with appropriate support.

When foster care is needed, children and young people stay in the homes of approved foster carers until they can safely return to their families. During this time, they can continue attending school and participating in any activities they enjoy. For some, foster care may also create new opportunities to join sports, recreation or social programs. Children and young people are encouraged to take part in everyday family activities so they feel welcomed and included.

Some children and young people in foster care may come from culturally diverse backgrounds or have specific religious beliefs. It is important that these cultural, community and faith connections are respected and supported.

One of the main goals of foster care is to help reunite children and young people with their families. Foster carers work closely with the family, supported by IFYS and Child Safety, to help make this possible.