Foster and Kinship Carers Association Tasmania (FKAT): What They Do and How to Get Help

What FKAT Does

The Foster and Kinship Carers Association Tasmania (FKAT) is the peak body for foster and kinship carers across the state. They're independent from DECYP — which matters when you need someone in your corner during a disagreement with the department.

FKAT operates the Foster Care Advocacy and Support Team (FAST) support line on 1800 149 994. This is a direct line to independent advice, separate from the government agencies that make placement and payment decisions.

How FKAT Helps Kinship Carers

Advocacy during DECYP reviews. When a formal kinship carer disputes a DECYP decision — about care allowance levels, placement changes, or administrative processes — FKAT can advocate on their behalf. Having an independent voice in those conversations changes the dynamic.

Peer support networks. FKAT connects carers with others in similar situations. For grandparents who took on a child unexpectedly, talking to someone who's been through the same Centrelink claims process or school enrolment struggle is worth more than another government brochure.

Information and training. FKAT provides practical guidance on navigating the care system, understanding your rights as a carer, and accessing available support. They publish handbooks and resources specific to Tasmania.

Policy advocacy. FKAT lobbies the Tasmanian Government on carer issues. In 2026, they publicly welcomed the Budget commitment to maintain the 15% uplift to base foster and kinship care allowances as a permanent measure.

Who Can Contact FKAT

FKAT primarily serves formal foster and kinship carers — those with DECYP placements. But informal carers can still call the FAST line for general advice and direction to appropriate services.

If you're an informal kinship carer (no DECYP involvement), the organisations more directly set up for you are:

• Community Kinship Care Program — Baptcare (North/South-West) and Mission Australia (North-West/South-East) deliver free family support, peer groups, respite, and brokerage funding specifically for informal carers
• Grandparent, Foster and Kinship Carer Adviser Line (1800 245 965) — Centrelink specialists for non-parent carer payment claims
• Kin Raising Kids Tasmania — a community-led peer group based in Devonport

Key Contacts

• FKAT FAST line: 1800 149 994
• Strong Families, Safe Kids (referral to Community Kinship Care Program): 1800 000 123
• Centrelink Grandparent Adviser Line: 1800 245 965
• Tasmania Legal Aid: 1300 366 611

The Support for Grandparents and Kinship Carers in Tasmania guide includes a complete agency map showing which organisation covers your region and which line to call first based on your situation — formal placement, informal care, or somewhere in between.

See more Tasmania guides →