There are many reasons why children and young people need fostering. There may be concerns about the well being of young people, there may be evidence of abuse, the parent may request the local authority ‘look after’ their child(ren) during a time when they feel unable to cope. In some cases the young people return home after a short time, but if a longer break is needed, the young person may stay longer. Occasionally parents of children with disabilities need a break. This type of care is called respite. The usual pattern of respite is a weekend every 4 to 6 weeks. This support is essential and can be responsible for the family continuing to care successfully for their own child(ren).

PARENTS OF CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE

It is all too easy for parents to see themselves as failures when their child(ren) are being looked after by someone else. They may react by being critical of the care provided to their child(ren). Equally, parents will often appreciate the help and commitment that carers give to their children. Some parents of children in foster care just do not know how to parent - carers can help them understand what their children need.

Carers will need to understand the importance of the links between the child(ren) and their parents.

WHO DECIDES ON THE AGE GROUP?

You decide after discussion with your assessing social worker. The age group is determined on an individual basis and takes into account the ages of any children you may have.

CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE

Children often have to cope with feelings of guilt as well as feelings of loss when they come into care. They often think that it is because of something they have done, that they are now living away from home. In these situations, foster carers need to give the child(ren) lots of reassurance that what has happened was not their fault and help them to feel good about themselves by praising their achievements, no matter how small these may be.

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR FOSTER CARERS?

No, the criteria are determined by your health. We pay for you to have a medical with your family doctor.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS?

After you have contacted us, we would invite you to an Information Evening. You will meet other foster carers, ask questions, watch a video on fostering and, generally have the opportunity to gather information to, enable you to make an informed choice whether fostering would suit you and your family. If you decide to proceed a home visit is made prior to inviting you to training. The home visit gives you a further opportunity to explore fostering in an informal and unpressured way.

The training is made up of six consecutive evenings or three consecutive full days (not on Saturdays). The next stage is the assessment. This is your chance to tell the assessment worker about your life, and how you feel you would manage children and young people you may be asked to foster. Most people enjoy this aspect. You will be visited, by prior arrangement, once a week for approximately two hours. This written assessment is read by you, and inaccuracies will be amended.

WILL I BE PAID?

Yes, an allowance is paid to cover the cost of caring for the child/ren. The basic allowance will not affect any benefits you may be receiving.

HOW LONG WILL THE PROCESS TAKE?

As a rough guide an assessment should be completed within four months. However, there are many things which can lead to delays. Clearly from our point of view the process will be as quick as we can make it.

WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Select "Register your interest" below and leave your address to enable us to contact you. Alternatively you can telephone us, our numbers are on the "Finding Us" page which you can also select from below.