Who can be a Foster Carer?

Fostering is a life choice open to anyone. However, it is necessary to be able to provide suitable accommodation ie. a separate room for the child/young person.

What are the different types of Foster Care?

Short Term - When a child or young person is placed with a foster carer on a temporary basis with a view to another plan being made for his/her future. This placement can last from a few weeks to a few months.

Long Term - For children and young people who need a long-term foster placement over a considerable length of time and for some, permanently.

Respite - Taking over the care of a child or young person in order to give his/her parents or current foster carer a break.

Emergency - When a child or young person requires a home immediately and usually only for a few days.

Parent and Child - This type of placement is usually on an assessment basis where the foster carer's main role is that of assisting the parent in caring for the child in order that they may move on to living independently together.

Pre-adoption - When a child or young person is waiting to be adopted and therefore requires some interim care.

Bridging - Short term placements for children and young people awaiting their next identified placement to become available.

Leaving Care - Supporting young people into independent living.

How long does it take to become a Foster Carer?

On average, providing that we can obtain all the relevant checks and you are approved by panel, you could become a foster carer in four to six months.

What types of checks need to be undertaken during the assessment process?

Anybody residing or frequently visiting the family home over the age of 16 will be required to have an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check. The main Foster Carer and his/her partner if applicable, will be required to undergo full medicals with their own GP. There will also be checks with the appropriate Local Authorities and Social Services. Your home will also be assessed to ensure that it complies with various health and safety issues.

Will I need a car and be able to drive?

Preferably, as you will be expected to provide transportation for any child/young person in your care for journeys to school, GP etc. However, the fact that you do not drive would not automatically disqualify you from being a Foster Carer.

Will I receive any training?

Yes. We offer an extensive training programme, the first of which begins during your assessment.

Can I still work whilst fostering for Child Care Bureau?

Child Care Bureau prides itself on providing a high level of care to all of the children/young people placed in our care. As such we feel that one carer should be accessible to them at all times and therefore we require one carer to be at home on a full time basis. As a result of this we offer a pay and support package that recognises this commitment from our carers.

Is age an issue?

No, as long as you are fit and well.

What is the difference between an Independent Fostering Agency and a Local Authority
Services Agency?

Independent fostering agencies provide a specialist service to local authorities. Sometimes because of demands placed on the resources of local authorities, they are unable to offer carers to all children in their care. Independent foster agencies offer a solution to this shortfall, providing various types of placements.