Becoming A Foster Parent

In order to foster you must be:21 years old or olderA UK resident/indefinite leave to remainAble to take care of a child on a full term basis.You are required to:Care for the child as part of a team with the local authority, school, health professionals and even birth family,Write reports and keep recordsAttend meetings and advocacyHelp the child manage behaviour and feelingAttend trainingTypes of Foster Care:Long term – fostering a child who cannot return to family but do not want to be adopted – normally has responsibility to adulthoodShort term – looking after children for a few weeks and months till future plans are madeFamily and friends/kinship – Look after a child you know such as grandchildrenEmergency – Give a child somewhere safe for a few nights or weeks – unplannedRespite – Care for children with complex needs whilst primary carers get a breakRemand – Care of young people remanded by the court – normally requires special trainingFostering for adoption – foster those who you may adoptSpecialist therapeutic – Providing specialist care for those with complex needs.Becoming a foster parentYou can apply through your local council https://www.gov.uk/apply-foster-child-council or an independent agency http://www.fosterline.info/find-a-fostering-service/You must go on a preparation courseYou and every adult living with you needs an enhanced DBS checkA social worker will assess you and your family to see if you are able to care for a child.You can state a preference about the child you care for but cannot choose a child out of a group of children and do not get a trial period.You will need to meet with the fostering panel who will review your application and make a recommendation.The fostering service will therefore make a decision on your application