The Answers toAll Your Questions
In our frequently asked questions, we hope to dispel some of the myths about fostering, from our experience of providing good quality care. Hopefully, our responses make it a lot clearer for you as you think about what you will bring to fostering.
Can anyone foster?
Can I choose who I care for?
What will I be expected to share about my circumstances?
Can I work and foster?
It is possible to work and foster however, we need to know that there is flexibility in your working hours that allows you to prioritise a fostered child’s wellbeing and safety. Working and fostering and your individual circumstances will be discussed with you before your assessment begins, including how you will cope emergencies and your support network.
What impact will fostering have on my family
At Horizon we talk about the family fostering as all members of the household should be committed to accepting and supporting a child who comes to live with you. That means everyone in the household will be spoken to by your assessor so that they understand what necessary changes are required to accommodate fostering.
Do you need to know about my finances?
I’m an approved foster carer can I transfer agency?
Do I need to obtain references?
You will need to provide the details on your application form of three personal referees one referee must be a family referee. The referees should have known you for at least three years and for couples must be able to provide information on both applicants. The agency will send references to the referees for completion and your assessor will arrange to meet with them during your assessment.
Can I foster if I have a lodger?
You can foster if you have a permanent lodger or non-family member who has lived with you for over 12 months. If they will not be leaving the home they must agree to be part of the assessment. This involves statutory checks and meetings with your assessor to determine their suitability for living in a household with a fostered child. Any other rental arrangements could prove too complicated and not feasible for fostering.
Can I foster if I have a criminal record?
The fostering regulations require criminal record checks to be made on everyone applying to foster and those living in the household age 18 and over. When you apply to foster you will need to disclose all criminal cautions and convictions. These will be discussed with you and the fostering agency will obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check. Minor offences should not prohibit you from foster however offences against children and sexual offences would prevent you from applying. Fostering agencies update this check at regular intervals post approval.
Can I have pets?
Can I take a fostered child on holiday?
Foster carers are expected to give fostered children opportunities to experience family events and going on holiday is one of these events. The child’s social worker makes the ultimate decision on whether a child is allowed to go. Normally, this is seen as beneficial to the child’s experience of being part of your family. If you cannot take a child abroad, you will need to think about how a child can experience a holiday in the UK.
Can I change a child’s school to a school in my local area?
Generally, fostered children remain at their same school with the same teachers and friends. This provides them with consistency when everything else in their lives are changing. The exemption to this is a long-term placement where a change of school can be considered.
What will it be like for me and my family when a child moves on?
It is inevitable when the placement ends it will be an emotional time for all concerned. Remember, your family will have played an important part in preparing a child for what comes next in their journey. You and your family can take satisfaction from the positive change a child will have gone through during their time in your care.
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