I have no knowledge of the fostering system in WA, try: https://www.dcp.wa.gov.au/FosteringandAdoption/InterestedInFosterCaring/Pages/InterestedInFosterCaring.aspx
there appears to be a good wee video and different stories and FAQ's
In terms of fostering in general, as a uk social worker,I have experience in this field, and if I was you, if it is something you areinterested in, at least contact the fostering team at WA and register aninterest, and see if you could arrange a meeting or request information pack tobe posted to you. It is a big decision, and I know you might entertain the ideaof entertaining the kids and them getting a buzz from the attention, in somecases they may well be happy to find a home where there is no shouting,fighting, parents drinking etc, but they well resent not being allowed to liveat home and this may manifest in challenging behaviour. Remember, never callthem a “problem child”, because, when you put something who is presenting withchallenging behaviour, you would be angry too sometimes, when for example, yourparents couldn’t even ensure your safety, hit them, bought drink ahead of foodfor dinners etc. That’s where goodfoster carers can be a lifeline as they can bring stability for vulnerablechildren. When you ask how long do the foster kids stay with you, it is down tocircumstances, sometimes it could be a weekend, a night, a week, a month, year,or longer. But if for whatever reason, a foster placement is just not workingout for either the young person, or you and your family, you can ring FosteringCase Worker at any time and be honest with them. They might suggest trainingfor you or your wife, or even a change in placment. So bottom line, key skillsto being a foster carer is empathy, ability to build relationships, and evenjust thinking about becoming a foster carer shows you have great potential, soregister an interest, no harm looking into it. good luck in what ever youdecide!!!