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Fostering Info
3 February 2023 by DK 0 Comments

Is there a Shortage of Foster Carers?

Ofsted revealed that vulnerable children may miss out on the care they deserve because of the continued lack of capacity in the foster care system. So, is there a shortage of foster carers? How bad is the situation? Find out here. 
Despite an increase in the number of households offering to foster children and young people, there is still a gap in the foster care system. The annual fostering statistics for the year ending 2021 revealed that the demand for fostering has not been met.
The same data revealed that the number of foster carers in England has increased by 4% since 2014 yet the number of children in need of foster care has increased by 11%, thus, showing a disparity in the increase of households fostering children and the children in need of foster care.

Prospective carers aren’t applying to become foster carers

According to Ofsted data, prospective carers aren’t necessarily applying to become foster carers. This data revealed that out of over 160,000 initial enquiries about fostering received, only 10,000 resulted in applications. The number of children in need of foster care is increasing in the UK. This increase is making it difficult to match them with the right carers because of the obvious shortage of foster carers.

Why is there a shortage of foster carers?

This shortage could be attributed to many factors, however, one that stands out is the rising cost of living. According to an article by Express UK, the rising cost of living is creating fear of more foster carers quitting.
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It is for this financial reason that carers are turning to foster agencies for better fees, which are relatively higher than the government’s minimum weekly allowance.

Do you want to help reduce the shortage?

There is an urgent appeal from Ofsted to UK residents to apply to become foster carers to help reduce the shortage in the service. You can become a foster carer today and help keep children and young adults in safe home environments.

If you are worried about the financial obligations of becoming a foster carer, you can contact us today to discuss the appropriate weekly allowance to help you care for children and young people.
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31 January 2023 by DK 0 Comments

Who Regulates Foster Carers

Fostering is an integral service in the United Kingdom with proper legislation put in place to regulate it. Find out about the government department responsible for regulating foster carers in the UK and their mandate. 
As expected, foster care is well-regulated in the UK. It has a clear legal framework that includes fostering regulations, statutory guidance, and National Minimum Standards. All these work collectively to influence how local authorities and fostering services organise foster services.

Who regulates foster carers in the UK?

Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services, and Skills)
Ofsted is responsible for regulating any service that cares for children and young people. This puts this government department solely responsible for the regulation of foster carers. However, fostering is a multi-faceted service that requires other agencies to also offer assistance in regulation.

Care Inspectorate (Scotland)

It is the government department responsible for regulating foster carers in Scotland to ensure that they meet the standards set by the government.
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Care and Social Services Inspectorate (Wales)

It is the government department responsible for regulating foster carers in Wales to ensure that they meet the standards set by the government.

Local Authority Responsibility

In as much as Ofsted is responsible for the overall regulation of foster carers, the local authorities are also legally tasked with the obligation to apply for a care order if they believe a child is at risk of significant harm or is suffering. This provision is under the Children Act 1989 which allows a council to seek a Care Order from a court of law to take the child into care.

Summary

Fostering is a shared responsibility in the UK. However, Ofsted is in charge of the overall regulation, which streams down to other government departments and local authorities.
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Fostering Info
20 January 2023 by DK 0 Comments

What Support is Available for Foster Carers?

Becoming a foster carer is a rewarding job but can be equally challenging. Therefore, you need support and assistance to help you care for children and young people well. Here is a highlight of the support that is available for you as a foster carer.

As a foster carer, you have extensive support from your fostering agency, local authority, and social workers. Fostering is a collective responsibility, thus, the support is all-rounded. As a foster carer, you will be supported in different ways.

Support from your fostering service

The fostering agency that has the child placement plan should inform you about the needs of the child. The fostering service will organise meetings to monitor the child’s progress and provide further guidance to help you support the child well.
Here is a highlight of what your family should get:
  • Unlimited access to support even after work hours
  • Guidance to join support groups
  • Financial and emotional support
  • Training and personal development plan
  • An opportunity to take a break from fostering if you need it.

Fostering allowance

This is financial support that you will receive on weekly basis to cater to the needs of the foster child. It is a way of easing your financial burden when caring for a foster child. The weekly amount that you get depends on the fostering agency. However, the minimum weekly fostering allowance is between £137 and £240.
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As a foster carer, you should have contact with two social workers.

  1. A social worker attached to your foster child to help the child meet his/her needs
  2. A supervising social worker to support your fostering needs.

Your supervising social worker should:

  • Provide emotional support
  • Help you to develop your fostering skills
  • Talk to you about your fostering concerns

In addition, the social worker needs to inform you about the policies governing:

  • Behaviour management of a foster child
  • The financial support offered to foster carers
  • How to file complaints
The same social worker will review your suitability as a foster carer annually. Occasionally, the social worker may organise meetings for the benefit of the foster child.
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Social worker visits

As part of continuous support, the social worker must visit you:

  • The first week after a foster child has been placed under your care
  • At least once every 6 weeks in your first year of living with a foster child
  • At least once every 3-6 months after a child has lived with you for more than a year.

They are also obliged to make an unannounced visit at least once a year. 

Summary

The UK Government Department of Education requires that foster carers get sufficient support to help them with their duties of caring for foster children and young people. You can visit the government’s website about the support available for foster carers for more information.

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Fostering Info
18 January 2023 by DK 0 Comments

How to Become a Respite Foster Carer?

Did you know that you can help a child in need without committing to full-time foster care? Learn how easy it is to become a respite foster carer and provide valuable breaks to other foster carers.

What is respite foster care?

This is a type of foster care that requires you to step in and care for a child for a short time, probably a weekend or just a few days. The idea is to allow foster families to take a short break.
As a respite foster carer, you will only be responsible for a child for a few days, thus, you don’t have to worry about full-time commitments.

Does it sound like something you would want to do?

Let’s take a look at the requirements and how to get started as a respite foster carer.

Requirements to become a respite foster carer

  • You must be at least 21 years old
  • You must be living in a home that has an extra room to accommodate a child or a young person
  • You must be financially stable to care for a child or a young person
  • You must pass the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
The same requirements needed for a foster carer are the same ones used to qualify a respite foster carer.
Fostering with a Criminal Record

Is there special training for a respite foster carer?

No, you don’t need special training to become a respite foster carer. However, since you will be registered as a foster carer, you will undertake the expected training for a foster carer. In addition, you will receive continuous support and materials that will enhance your fostering skills.

Getting started as a respite foster carer

There are three reasons why you need to get started as a respite foster carer i.e.

  1. You will provide relief to a full-time foster family
  2. You will make a difference in a child’s life even though you are only caring for them for a short time
  3. You will give a child the opportunity to create a positive relationship with an adult.
If this is something that you can do, then let us know today. We can help you to become a respite foster carer and feel the joy of caring for children in need.
Become A Foster Carer In London

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Fostering Info
6 January 2023 by DK 0 Comments

Can Foster Carers Claim Child Benefit?

Being a foster carer affects your benefits. Does this mean you can claim Child Benefit? Well, find out here your eligibility for this benefit.

Foster carers are eligible for multiple benefits as outlined by the government. For any benefit that you get, you will need to inform the organisation that you are also receiving a foster care allowance.

Can you claim child benefit?

As a foster carer, you cannot claim Child Benefit for a foster child. However, you can claim Child Benefit for your children or other children living with you but not fostered. You can seek clarification on the HMRC’s website about your eligibility to claim Child Benefit if you are living with other children apart from the one(s) you are fostering.

Understanding Child Benefit

How does it work?

It is a benefit that you get for bringing up a child who is:
  • below 16 years
  • below 20 years and the child is in approved education or training
If you are living as a couple, only one of you can apply for Child Benefit for your child. There is no limit to the number of children you can claim for.
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What will you get?

There are two rates that depend on the nature of your application i.e.

  1. If you are applying for one child only or your eldest child, the weekly pay is £80
  2. You will get £45 per child for any additional children.

You can contact the Child Benefit Office if you have received less amount than what you expected. Similarly, you should contact the same office if you are overpaid.

The payments are remitted every 4 weeks. However, there is also an option of getting a weekly payment if you are a single parent or you are receiving other benefits like Universal Credit. 

Summary

Foster carers cannot claim child benefit for their fostered children. However, they can apply for Child Benefit for their children or other children living with them (not fostered).

You can contact us if you need help applying for Child Benefit if you are eligible.

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Fostering Info
4 January 2023 by DK 0 Comments

How to Report a Foster Carer?

Do you have concerns about a foster carer in the UK? There are laid down reporting procedures that we will explain here.
It is usually important to voice your concern if you feel that a child under foster care is at risk of harm. Knowing the right person that can help is critical in helping the child.

So, how do you get started?

You have several options for reporting a foster carer who you suspect is abusing a foster child. We’ll look at three options that you have:

Contact NSPCC

You can anonymously contact the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) if you suspect the foster child is mistreated by a foster carer. You can reach the NSPCC through their number 0800 028 0285. Remember, this can be done anonymously and the foster carer won’t know you are the one who reported.

Becoming a whistle-blower is a good way of reporting a foster carer that you know well or is a friend or a family member.

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Contact the local authority child protection team

The local authority child protection team can also be a reference point to report a foster carer. Your conversation with the team can also remain anonymous if you are not involved with the child.

Contact foster care agency

There is also the option of contacting us if you want to report a foster carer. We will also treat your conversation with confidentiality. Our social worker will diligently investigate the matter and advise on the next steps to protect the foster child.
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Tips for reporting a foster carer

The following are pieces of advice that social care workers offer to anyone who wants to report a foster carer.

Don’t delay

You need to report the foster carer as soon as possible. It is easier to remember the details when you report sooner.

Be clear about your complaint

You need to be clear about what you are reporting. Avoid ambiguity when reporting a foster carer. It also needs to be clear and brief.

Put it in writing

It is not a requirement but a good report should be put in writing. It eliminates any ambiguity and retains evidence.

Provide evidence

You should attach any evidence if you have one. This will help to make your report more valid.

Report your concern now

Don’t delay if you have anything to report about a foster carer. Remember, it is always about safeguarding children. You can also get in touch with Ofsted if you want to learn more about safeguarding children and measures that the government has put in place to protect foster children.

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Fostering Info
2 January 2023 by DK 0 Comments

Can Foster Carers Get a Blue Light Card?

Great news to foster carers; you can now register and apply for the Blue Light Card and enjoy great discounts when shopping online and in-store.
One of the hidden perks that foster carers get in the UK is the eligibility to get the Blue Light Card. Find out all the details that you need to know about this special card and how to start your application.

What is the Blue Light Card?

The Blue Light Card is a special card that offers exclusive discounts to cardholders when shopping in a wide range of stores. This card is primarily given to public workers, predominantly in the emergency line of duty.

Who is eligible?

Apart from public workers in NHS, police, and firefighters, social care workers are also eligible to get this special card. Since foster carers are largely considered social care workers, they too are eligible to get this card.
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The benefits of the Blue Light Card

As a foster carer in the UK, you will enjoy the following benefits if you have the blue light card:
  • Discounts in hundreds of retail stores
  • Discounts in other categories such as holidays, cars, gifts, insurance, fashion
This card gives you great discounts throughout the year that will eventually lead to increased savings. That’s the kind of care that you deserve as a foster carer in the UK.

How to apply?

As a foster carer, you are eligible to apply for the Blue Light Card. To start your application,
  • Present your foster care identification
  • Pay £99
  • When selecting your service, pick ‘Social Care’
It will take about 14 days for your application to be reviewed. Ideally, the application should be accepted if you have entered the correct details. You will then receive the Blue Light Card, which is valid for two years.
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Do you need our help?

Please contact us today if you have any questions about the Blue Light Card. We can also help you to start the application process.

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Fostering Info
30 December 2022 by DK 0 Comments

Does Fostering Affect Universal Credit?

Will the fostering allowance that you are receiving affect the amount that you get from Universal Credit? Find out here the relationship between fostering allowance and Universal Credit.
The UK government is on a major welfare reform dubbed the Universal Credit. This singular welfare program seeks to phase out several benefits and tax credit systems and merge them into a singular monthly payment.

How will it affect foster carers in the UK?

Fostering allowance is not one of the six benefits the Universal Credit is replacing. A foster carer will continue to receive fostering guided by the minimum weekly fostering allowance set by the local authority or fostering agency.
But since the Universal Credit is affected by an individual’s income, you might be wondering if the weekly fostering allowance that you get will be taken into consideration.
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So, will fostering allowance affect universal credit?

No, any fostering allowance that you receive will not affect the Universal Credit amount you are entitled to. This is because the fostering allowance is not counted as “earnings” under Universal Credit.
Therefore, you can still claim Universal Credit as a foster carer in the UK and receive your entitlement based on the qualifying requirements.
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Fostering Info
16 December 2022 by DK 0 Comments

Are Foster Carers Social Care Workers?

Foster carers play a crucial role in stabilising the basic unit of society – the family. Does this important function warrant them to be social care workers? 
In the United Kingdom, social care workers are key workers of the government because they provide a wide range of support to individuals, families, and the community.

Back to the question – are foster carers social care workers?

Unfortunately, despite the similarities in function with social care workers, foster carers in the UK are not categorised as social care workers. However, it is worth noting that foster carers are similarly involved in providing essential support to vulnerable children and young people.
There is an ongoing debate about this issue with many believing that foster carers should be treated as key workers because of their involvement in community services through caring for children and young people.
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Governments’ positions about foster carers as social care workers

Here are the positions taken by the governments in the UK:

England

Foster carers have not been classified as key workers by the Department for Education. However, the government remains aware of their social importance, thus, allowing foster carers to be eligible for priority testing and personal protective equipment.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is unclear about the status of foster carers as social care workers. However, they enjoy some benefits that key workers do.
Foster Carer Qualities

Scotland

Scotland does not recognise foster carers as key workers.

Wales

Wales recognises and treats foster carers as social care workers. They are given a social care worker card to formally recognise their roles as key workers.
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Fostering allowance

In all the UK member states, foster carers are entitled to an allowance, which is set by the local authority or the fostering agency.
Whether or not you are recognised as a social worker, becoming a foster carer is all about caring for children and young people who need brave members of society like you to assure them of a probable bright future.

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Fostering Info
15 December 2022 by DK 0 Comments

What Makes a Good Foster Carer?

There is a set of skills a foster carer is expected to have. Do you know what they are? Learn here the expectations of a good foster carer. 
Becoming a foster carer isn’t just about looking after children; it involves many other things that are combined to make the life of fostered children as happy and stable as it can be. Therefore, you need to learn about the qualities of a good foster carer before you become one. Even if you are already one, you can enhance your fostering abilities using this set of good qualities.

Qualities of a Good Foster Carer

Experience of living with children

Living or working with children is an admirable quality because it shows your genuine commitment to helping children. It is not a must for you to have your children but it can be great if you have lived or worked with children before.
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Understanding and empathy

Children coming into foster care have varied backgrounds. As a foster carer, you need to be empathetic about their situation. You must understand where the children are coming from and share with them their troubles. Immersing yourself in their world will help you understand their personal feelings better.
Report a Foster Carer

Supportive and encouraging

A good foster carer should also support the foster children to become happy and thrive in life. Regardless of the children’s backgrounds, always encourage them about a positive future. Show some sincerity in your encouragement to give the children hope for a better future.

Patience

Some children will move into foster care unhappily. This burden is transferred to the foster carer who needs to be patient with the foster child as they handle their personal and family issues. However, patience doesn’t mean ignoring the child; it means constantly helping the child even when they are difficult to handle.
Kinship Fostering Allowance

Teamwork

Fostering isn’t a person’s job; it involves a team. There is a foster carer who links up with the fostering agency, the child’s family, the local authority, medical practitioners, and social workers. Therefore, teamwork is a desirable trait that a good foster carer must have.

A good listener

A good foster carer needs to be a good listener. They should prioritise the issues of the fostered child they are caring for over their own. A child is likely to become better socially if they have someone who listens to them.
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Willing to ‘let go’

One of the most vital qualities that you will need as a foster carer is ‘letting go’. The foster child that you are caring for will have to go at some point, thus, you need coping skills after the child has left. Of course, there will be a special bond created, and you will have to learn to let go.

Summary: Have a BIG Heart

In summary, what makes a good foster carer is a combination of various qualities. They are all embedded in having a big heart to care for children. With a big heart, you will find it easy to cope with the children that you are caring for.

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