i can only answer on the c'link stuff hunny

MOST council run FDC services are approved carers through centrelink - and as such, you would get a rebate based on your income estimate. you would also qualify for half of your out of pocket costs rebated to you each quarter (there are lots of threads in the c'link forums if you want more info) - if the carer isn't part of an APPROVED organisation, check if they are a registered carer - if they are, you would get a very small rebate if you provide receipts within 12 months to c'link (it's about 50c an hour). check if the carer is REGISTERED or APPROVED - these are important factors

in regard to what to look for - it will depend on whether or not is it a private undertaking or council/organisation run. mum used to do FDC and it started out being very relaxed and informal (kids were part of the family - a few of them still refer to me as their "other sister") - but towards the end of her time, it was more formal. make sure you are comfy with the person, check whether it is a structured program and whether that is appropriate for your DS. work work out what facilities, what they provide, what they expect you to provide etc

hopefully some of the FDC users/workers will drop in with more specific info

BG