Fostering FAQ

• Am I still able to keep my current job?

  As a foster carer you should be available for the children in your care as you would be for your own children.  If you have a flexible job or perhaps you work from home, you maybe able to continue. 

• Can a foster child share a bedroom?

  A fostered child should have their own bedroom within your home.  It maybe possible for younger siblings of the same gender to share a room, if deemed appropriate.

• How long will the children or young people stay with me?

  There are many placement types – long term, short term, emergency and respite, sibling groups or mother and baby placements.  An initial short term placement may develop into a long term placement, it all depends on the child or young person's circumstances, which will be considered at the 'Assessment' and 'Matching Process'.

• How much information will I get with regard to the child/young person who will be placed with me?

  We will provide you with as much information about the child or young person and their background as possible, including any difficult behaviours and how to manage them. In emergency foster placements, information may be limited, but we always ask the appropriate questions and we will find out as much as possible about the child or young person, their history and potential requirements.

• I have a dog, is this allowed?

  All animals in the home will be considered during the assessment process to ensure that they do not pose a risk to the child or young person.

• What about the child’s or young persons birth parents?

  Children come into care for a whole range of reasons, including a family member's short-term illness or a parent's depression or drug or alcohol misuse. Some children may have been abused or neglected. Where contact with birth parents, family and siblings is deemed appropriate, children will meet their birth family during scheduled visits and activities.  Your designated supervising social worker will offer full support with regard to this.

• What if the child has a disability or special needs?

  Our role is to support you and this may include providing specialist equipment or training. Your supervising social worker will explain the specific needs of the child before any placement is made and support you in making the placement work – both for you and the child.