One of the most important stages in your journey towards becoming a foster carer is gathering

www.worcestershire.gov.uk

Could you foster?This presentation has been put together to help you

consider many of the factors involved in fostering for Worcestershire County Council


One of the most important stages in your journeytowards becoming a foster carer is gatheringinformation and carrying out research.

When people first approach us we are aware that theywill be at a slightly different stage; some have beenthinking about fostering for years whilst for others itwill be very early days.

By downloading & reading the Fostering InformationPack from our website we hope that some of yourquestions will be answered. But you will have the

opportunity to ask many more throughout the process.

2Could you Foster?


3Could you Foster?

• Nationally there is estimated to be around 27,000 Foster Carers

• At any given time there are 60,000 children being “looked after” by foster families

• It is estimated that there is a shortage of around 10,000 foster carers

• In addition, the foster carer population is ’ageing’, with many approaching retirement

National Fostering Statistics


4Could you Foster?

• We currently have just over 200 Foster Carers

• There are over 600 children in the care of the Local Authority, the majority of whom will be in a fostering placement

• Currently there is a particular need to find foster carers for young children (babies & pre-school) and teenagers

Statistics for Worcestershire


5Could you Foster?

Why do we need foster carers?

We have found through experience that the outcomes for most children are best when they have a good

experience within a family setting.Foster families are the preferred solution to offer ‘looked

after children’ the safe, supportive and nurturing environment that they need.


6Could you Foster?

Children placed with foster carers are likely to have experienced many

DISRUPTIONS AND DIFFICULTIES before being placed

They will need TIME, ATTENTION AND PATIENCE to enable them to settle

Children need a positive experience of FAMILY LIFE

Fostering will affect the WHOLE FAMILY so in order to foster successfully, everyone in

the family needs to be on board (even the dog!)


Types of fostering…

• Short term – anything from a few days to a couple of years

• Long term – normally through to independence

• Respite – usually to provide another carer with a break/holiday

• Intensive Care – time limited placements with carers who have substantial experience

7Could you Foster?


So who can apply?

Age - You must be over 21, but there is no upper age limitAccommodation - It doesn’t matter if you own your own home or if it is rented – but you must have a spare roomRelationship - You can be single,married, in a relationship or civilpartnershipExperience - Ideally you will have somechild care experience or have worked withyoung people

8Could you Foster?


• All convictions, including spent ones, have to be considered as Foster Carers will be caring for vulnerable children

• All convictions will be considered and assessed in context

• Any sexual offences committed when an adult will exclude the individual from fostering

• Some other offences may exclude you from fostering

• We need to ensure children are protected

What if I have a Criminal Conviction?

9Could you Foster?


What other checks will be carried out?

• Local Authority check (inc. previous addresses)• Child and Family Court Advisory Support Service• Employer (including armed forces if relevant)• Foster Care or Adoption agencies (previous applications)• Personal and family references (for both applicants)• Previous partners (especially where you have parented children)• Primary Health/GP (a full medical will be needed)• Schools (where your own children attend/attended)• International Checks (if you have lived abroad since adulthood)

10Could you Foster?


What do Worcestershire provide for foster carers?• Regular placements• Fees and allowances paid• ‘Retainer’ payments when vacant• Allocated social worker offering 1:1 support• 24/7 emergency support• Excellent ongoing training & development• Specialist education and health support• Local and Countywide foster carer support groups• Respite as required• Concessionary leisure passes• Free summer activities• Social events• Newsletters

11Could you Foster?


Financial SupportThese figures are based on per child/per week:1. Foster Care Allowance - £114 - £172*

(depends on age of child)2. Fostering Fee - £73.71 - £134.40

(based on experience level)

Retainers – 50% of fee up to 8 weeks following end of placement

Initial clothing grant plus payments additional payments for birthdays, holidays etc.

*last updated June 2012

12Could you Foster?


What happens next?• Initial Enquiry – complete online or call 0800 028 2158• Full telephone enquiry / discussion with social worker• Home Visit by social worker• Preparation training followed by home visit• Formal Written Application Form• Fostering Assessment (sometimes called Form F)• Fostering Panel

Following acceptance of your written application we aim to get youto panel within 4 months

13Could you Foster?


We hope you found this presentation useful

If you feel you are ready, then it’s time to Register Your Interest!

14Could you Foster?

http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/children-and-families/adoption-and-fostering/fostering/fostering-enquiry-form.aspx

One of the most important stages in your journey towards becoming a foster carer is gathering

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