Key Assets Australia selected for Queensland Professional Foster Care pilot

Key Assets Australia (KAA) has been selected to participate in Queensland’s Professional Foster Care pilot, supporting delivery across South-East Queensland.

Initiated by the Queensland Government, the Professional Foster Care pilot introduces a new care option for children and young people with disabilities and complex needs who require specialist, individualised support. The pilot recognises that this level of care draws on professional skills, experience and strong, ongoing support for carers.

KAA welcomes the outcome of the tender process and looks forward to contributing its national organisational experience to support better outcomes for children and young people through this initiative.

“This program recognises the critical role professional foster carers play in supporting children and young people with complex needs,” said Dr Dianne Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Key Assets Australia.

“Being supported in a home environment requires a level of skill, structure and understanding that is often developed through professional experience or experience shaped by direct care or involvement. This program strengthens collaboration and ensures every child receives the tailored support they deserve.”

Designed for new, full‑time professional foster carers, the pilot operates alongside existing foster and kinship care models and acknowledges the important role long‑standing carers continue to play throughout Queensland.

KAA will support the Queensland Government’s initial recruitment of up to 100 professional foster carers statewide, with KAA delivering the pilot across South-East Queensland.

The pilot is seeking professionals with relevant experience and transferable skills who can provide consistent and skilled support to children and young people with disabilities and complex needs within a structured care environment.

KAA recruitment and assessment process is designed to support people to understand the role clearly and to ensure they are well prepared from the outset.

KAA also brings established wraparound support frameworks to the pilot, ensuring professional foster carers have access to guidance and coordinated support, so that children and young people in this care setting can receive individualised support from professional foster carers.

Melissa Hayes, State Director Queensland, said, “This pilot is a major step forward for the sector, expanding home‑based care options for children who need specialist, high‑quality support.”

“It brings agencies together to build workforce capability, strengthen practice and generate shared learning that can lift outcomes across the system as the pilot progresses.”

KAA is looking to connect with professionals whose skills and experience align with this specialised and meaningful role. More information on how to apply for this model is to come.

Ends

More information

More information about the Queensland Government’s Professional Foster Care pilot is available in the Ministerial Media Statement:

Queensland launches Professional Foster Care pilot

Further information about the pilot program is available on the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety website.

For media enquiries please contact:

Mel Alexiou: +61 439 699 428

National Marketing Manager