Last updated 12 July 2022

Where the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs (Child Safety) is granted custody or guardianship of a child under an order or a voluntary care agreement, the child may be placed with a licensed care service, approved foster carer, approved relative (known as kinship carer) or other person considered appropriate.

The licensing of care services and approval of carers are governed by the provisions of the Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld) (ch 4 pt 4 div2-div3A). All foster carers and kinship carers, and any adult members of their households, are required to obtain a Blue Card from Blue Card Services. Where foster carers, kinship carers or adult members of their households are denied a Blue Card or are not approved by Child Safety as carers, they have a right to have those decisions reviewed in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

For more information on becoming a kinship or foster carer please contact Child Safety or Foster Care Queensland.