Fostering Facts

Who can apply to be a foster carer?

Anyone can apply to be a foster carer. It does not matter if you are married or single, gay or lesbian, young or old. There are some basic requirements, for example are you aged 21 yrs or older and are physically and mentally fit and have a positive approach to looking after vulnerable young people, and have a spare room available.

Experience of parenting is not essential.

Would previous convictions prevent someone from fostering?

A previous criminal conviction would not necessarily disqualify you from fostering; it would depend upon the nature of the conviction and when it occurred. Therefore, it is very important you tell the Fostering Agency everything, as this helps avoid unnecessary disappointment and wasted time for you and the agency. Any information should remain confidential at all times.

What sort of checks are carried out on me and my home?

Foster Care Agencies will undertake a number of statutory checks including a medical, CRB (police check) and Local Authority checks.

Will checks be carried out on my partner?

Yes. All couples living together will be required to be part of the assessment process and the necessary checks and training.

Fostering Agencies will need to carry out checks on anyone in the household over the age of 16. Even if you are the main carer, anyone sharing your home will have some involvement in fostering.

Does a foster child have to have their own bedroom?

Yes. Fostering Agencies will expect a foster child to have their own bedroom, however in the case of sibling groups, they would be allowed to share the same bedroom.

Can I still go out to work and be a foster carer?

Yes. However Fostering Agencies would prefer that the main carer remain at home. In the initial stages of placements there is an expectation that the main carer will attend meetings with education and social services departments and therefore needs to be available during office hours.
 
Can I choose how long I want children and young people to stay with me?

Before you are approved as a Foster carer, the Fostering Agency would have discussed the different types of placements that are needed for their children and young people. You will have decided which types of placement would suit you and your family best. However a flexible approach is helpful.

Can I choose which age group or sex I would prefer to foster?

Yes. However, you need to bear in mind that if you are relying on income from fostering, you are far more likely to have continuous placements if you are willing to take teenagers as well as younger children.

How much will I know about the child/young person before they are placed with me?

Fostering Agencies will discuss every placement with you and it is then your decision to take the child. Fostering Agencies should provide you with as much information about the young person and their background as possible, including any difficult behaviour and how to manage it.

Who is responsible for taking the children to school and other appointments?

The Foster Care Agency will normally expect you to be responsible. Sometimes your social worker would help.

Is smacking foster children ok?

No form of corporal punishment is acceptable under the regulations governing fostering; this would include any form of smacking, slapping or shaking. Training will be provided on alternative and effective ways to cope with any difficult behaviour.

What sort of support will I get?

You will have your own allocated social worker and support will be available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are Foster Carer Support Groups, support workers, respite care and annual holidays.

What sort of training will I get to be a foster carer?

Most Fostering Agencies use the ‘Skills to Foster’ training course, often over 2 or 3 days, prior to being approved. During the course you will be given information about the assessment process and about fostering. Almost all attendees say that they found the course extremely enjoyable and informative.

Most often Fostering Agencies provide further traing for foster carers including professional qualifications such as NVQ Level 3 in Child Care, in addition to on-going training programmes.

How much allowance will I receive per week and how is this decided?

The typical allowance provided by an Independent Fostering Agency is £375 per week per child fostered. Local Authority Foster Carers are usually provided with a smaller allowance. Sometimes enhanced payments are made for example, a child has particularly challenging behaviour and the Local Authority has requested that they are an 'only placement’.

What does the weekly allowance cover?

The weekly Fostering allowance is intended to cover living costs such as food, clothes, basic travel, household bills. Occasionally, extra contributions can be made.

Will I be taxed on this income?

Foster carers work on a ‘self employed’ basis. Under a new tax relief introduced in 2003, foster carers whose gross receipts from foster care do not exceed an individual limit will be exempt from tax on their income from foster care.

If I become approved as a foster carer, how long will I have to wait before I begin having placements?

Once you are approved you can begin taking placements immediately. All placements should be made following a careful matching process, based on information obtained about the foster child and from you during your assessment.