Out of home care agreement is a legal document that outlines the responsibilities and obligations of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Victoria and the caregiver in providing care to a child who has been removed from their home due to safety concerns. The agreement is designed to ensure that the child`s welfare and safety are protected while they are in the care of another person.

In Victoria, the DHHS is responsible for providing out of home care services to children and young people who are unable to live with their families. The DHHS works in partnership with caregivers, who can be family members or unrelated foster carers, to provide a safe and loving environment for the child.

The out of home care agreement outlines the specific details of the arrangement between the DHHS and the caregiver, including the type of care required, the frequency of contact between the child and their birth family, and the financial support provided to the caregiver.

One of the key objectives of the out of home care agreement is to ensure that the child`s cultural, religious and linguistic needs are respected. Caregivers are encouraged to maintain and support the child`s connection to their culture and community, where possible.

The DHHS provides ongoing support to caregivers to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care to the child. This support includes training in areas such as child development, communication and behavior management, and access to support services such as counseling and medical care.

If you are interested in becoming a caregiver for a child in out of home care in Victoria, you will need to work with the DHHS to obtain the necessary qualifications and undergo a thorough screening process. This process ensures that all caregivers meet the necessary standards of care and are able to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child.

In conclusion, the out of home care agreement is a vital aspect of the out of home care system in Victoria. It ensures that children who are unable to live with their families receive the love, support, and care they need to thrive. If you are interested in becoming a caregiver, you can find more information on the DHHS website.