As a foster carer you will receive a fostering allowance to meet the cost of caring for the child, most carers also receive a level 1 skill fee payment and a level 2 or 3 skill fee payment if they have been assessed as having a certain level of skills and experience. The government has … Continued
Including your foster child on your family holiday is usually encouraged but in some circumstances it may not be possible. An annual holiday allowance is payable in respect of each child/young person in placement. This is a contribution towards the additional costs involved. If it’s not possible for a young person to join you, a … Continued
We will always look to match a child to you and your family and this will be discussed with you before you agree to care for a child. If, however you do experience problems we will provide the necessary support to find a solution, as it is important that children do not have too many … Continued
Wherever possible we try and keep things familiar for our foster children, including going to their regular school with their friends. Children placed long-term may transfer to a school within your community. The child’s individual circumstances will be taken into account and this will be discussed with you as their foster carer and before the … Continued
Lots of foster carers have their own children and many looked after children benefit from being in a family environment with other children. Fostering very much involves your whole family and all members of your household will be considered during the assessment. We will need to take into account the wishes and feelings of your … Continued
We will look at your financial situation during the assessment process as we have to be certain that your house is a stable environment and that you can meet any rent or mortgage payments.
No, but as a foster carer you will be expected to attend lots of meetings, appointments and take children to and from school and contact with their family. Therefore, you will need to consider how you would meet the travel requirements of the task.
Yes, many of our foster carers have pets and they are an important part of the fostering family enjoyed by the foster children. We consider any pets you have as part of the assessment process. We may ask for an assessment by a dog behaviourist if there are any particular concerns raised regarding any dogs … Continued
If you or a member of your household has had a criminal record it will not necessarily stop you from fostering. It depends on what the conviction was for and when the offence was committed, so please discuss your individual circumstances with us. We undertake a check with the Police (known as a Disclosure and … Continued
If you smoke you will not be allowed to foster children aged under five or any child with health conditions or disabilities. You will be expected to smoke outside and away from children to ensure they are not impacted by the harmful effects of passive smoking. This does not apply if you smoke e-cigarettes or … Continued
