The Host Carer Program was developed from the belief that the families of children with disabilities could be supported in their roles as carers by other families in the local community.
This program recruits volunteer host carers and matches them to a child with a disability. The host cares for the child on a regular basis, ideally one weekend a month, in their own home, although care arrangements can be flexible.
Parents have the reassurance that their child is being cared for in a loving and welcoming family or friendship situation.
Compatibility is the key to the success of this program. When matching host and child, the environment, lifestyle and preferences of all parties are considered. Approval must be given by everyone involved for the match to proceed.
Hosts come from all cultural backgrounds and relationship and lifestyle situations and can be any age over 18 years. Police, medical and reference checks are done on all prospective hosts. Hosts must participate in training sessions prior to and during the match. Interchange staff provide support to both the host and child's family.
Interchange believes the safety and wellbeing of the children is paramount and closely follows the child wise guidelines (www.childwise.net)
THE HOST PROGRAM – A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE!
 | For the CHILDREN - it's different experiences and new social contacts, acceptance and love from another family and a break from home. For FAMILIES - it's a break from the carer role, time to unwind and enjoy those things in life that they are unable to do when their child is home, quality time to spend with siblings and partners, a chance to 'recharge the batteries' For HOSTS - it's a new family member, new experiences, an appreciation of their own family life, positive feelings from overcoming doubts and challenges and from knowing they are 'making a difference' For COMMUNITY - it's greater awareness, tolerance, understanding and acceptance of differences in people. |
Contact us to find out more about the Host Carer Program
Read our volunteer host information page find out about requirements for hosting
If you do not want the commitment of hosting, then you might like to become a volunteer on one of our many recreation programs.