Frequently asked questions
What is fostering?
Close your eyes for a moment and think of the first
thing that comes to mind when you think of fostering. Now imagine
if for any reason, that you were unable to look after your own
child. Imagine if there was no one there to help. Imagine how you
would feel. Imagine how they would feel.
Fostering is looking after children who cannot live with their own families. This can be for long or short periods of time. These children, often brothers or sisters, have often been caught up in a family crisis and need someone to care for them. Many will return home, for others this will not be possible. That’s why there are a range of ways you can help us to help them.
What is short-term fostering?
Short-term fostering is for children of all ages,
although foster carers choose a particular age range to care for,
for example, 0-6 years old or 10-14 years old. The child or
children could stay with you for one or two nights in an
emergency, right up to a year or more while we look for a
permanent family for them.
It can be upsetting and confusing for children who have to leave home. Short-term foster carers offer a valuable service because some care and attention can really make a difference at this difficult time.
What is long-term fostering?
Long-term fostering is caring for children and young
people, who can’t live with their own families, until they are
ready to live independently.
This service is for children, usually over the age of ten years old. Long-term foster carers provide a warm, loving home where a child or young person can be secure and feel a sense of belonging.
Many people don’t realise they can make a long-term commitment to older children or young people, but if you have space in your home and in your lives to welcome a new member to your family we can give you all the training and support you’ll need.
What is supported lodgings?
Supported lodgings is where a young person aged between
16 and 18 is leaving care and needs to live in a family home as
they take their first steps towards adult life.
Can I be single or living with my partner and foster?
Yes, you can become a foster carer if you are single or
living with a partner.
You don’t have to be married, although that’s okay too. What’s more important is that you have space in your home, and in your life for a child or young person.
Can we be married?
Yes, you can be married or divorced if you want to
foster. We need short term and long-term carers for children of all
ages. If you could give a child or young person a secure home
then we’d like to hear from you.
Do I need experience?
No. We will provide you with the training and support
you need to be able to care for children.
Do I have to own my own home?
No, you can rent your home, from the council or
privately. As long as your home isn’t temporary you can
become a foster carer. If you own your own property, that’s great
too. All you need is the space and time to provide a child or
young person with a security and care.
Can I work or be unemployed?
Yes, if you are not currently in paid work you can still
apply to foster. Also if you wish to continue to work, that’s
fine. All you need is the time to care for a child. Everyone’s
circumstance is different so talk to us about what would be right
for you.
Can I have my own children?
If you have your own children you can still
foster. Equally if you don’t have children of your own
that’s fine too. If you and your family would like to welcome
another young person into your home, on a short or long term basis,
then give us a call and we can give your some more information.
Am I too old?
Lots of people think they can’t foster – thinking they’l
l be considered too old, when probably that isn’t the case. Age
shouldn’t be a barrier to you becoming a foster carer. If you
are fit and healthy you could become a carer for a child or young
person.
Perhaps you have grown up children who own have flown the nest, or if you just have valuable life experience you could offer priceless support and guidance.
Foster carers are usually aged between 25 and 65 years of age on application so don’t rule yourself out without talking to us first.
Do you need to ask me a lot of questions, before I can be a
foster carer?
Imagine if one of your children or a child close to
you couldn’t live with their family anymore … how much would you
want to know about the people who were going to care for them? You’d
want to know everything.
That’s why we ask so many questions. Children deserve security and we try to ensure that’s what they get.
Before anyone can become a foster carer we have to do an assessment, this is called a Form F or Home Study.
This is because they will be looking after children. To these children you will be a stranger. Because they have all had a difficult time and need stability and security it’s our job to be as sure as we can that’s what they get.
However, an assessment is confidential, one worker will do this piece of work with you and your family together.
My question wasn’t listed. Where can I find out more?
These are just some frequently asked questions, if you
have something else you’d like to know then please give us a call
on freephone 0800 731 6550.
This is a dedicated freephone number, especially for people who would like to foster, adopt or become a family link carer. So whatever you want to know, we can help.