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Do I need a spare bedroom for each foster child?
Yes, each foster child needs a room of their own, though very young brothers or sisters can share a room if the foster placement is a sibling group.
What is the difference between fostering and adoption?
Adoption is becoming the legal parent of a child who can't live with his or her parents or family.
Fostering is looking after someone else's child. Although some children are fostered until they grow up, most return to their families.
Is there an age limit for foster carers?
You have to be over 21 to be a foster carer. There is no upper age limit. As long as you have the energy and commitment, you can foster.
Can I foster children if I'm single, gay or lesbian?
Whatever your personal circumstances, background or sexuality, you can become a foster carer.
How much will I be told about the foster child or young person?
We will talk to you about the foster placement, giving you as much information as possible beforehand. After all, you are the one who decides whether or not to go ahead with it. We will tell you about the young person, their background, any difficult behaviour, and how to manage it.
Can I choose the age or sex of the foster child or children?
Yes. But there are often high proportions of teenagers and boys seeking foster care, so you are more likely to have more foster placements if you are willing to accept them.
Can I choose how long the foster placement will be?
We will discuss the various types of placement with you so you can choose the one that suits you best. With some types of foster placement, it is not always possible to say exactly how long the young person will stay with you.
How will fostering affect my children?
Fostering can be challenging and rewarding for foster carers' children. It is a great learning experience. It can also be great fun to have other children to play with, as well as special outings and activities. There are times when it is difficult to share your parents and your home with someone else, and it helps to have someone to talk to who understands. We believe it is hugely important to support the whole family, and we are developing our own network of support services for foster carers' children.
What will I get paid?
St Christopher’s fostering offers a
generous professional fee and allowance,
paid for each child in placement with
you. The fostering allowance should cover the
costs of looking after the foster child, including
amounts to set aside for presents,
holidays and pocket money. There is no
guarantee of income if you do not have
a foster child in placement.
Will I have to pay tax?
You will be regarded as
self employed and responsible for your
own tax, pension and national insurance
arrangements. The Inland Revenue offers
generous tax allowances to foster carers,
and you are advised to seek independent
financial advice.
Do I need previous experience of fostering?
No, you don't need previous experience to be a foster carer. You will receive full training and support from the St Christopher's fostering team. Any experience of caring (e.g. if you have worked in education, health or social services) would be an advantage, but it is even more important to have the right personal skills.
What if a foster placement doesn't work out?
We work very carefully to match foster children and young people with the skills, experience and personal circumstances of each foster carer, so that the relationship will be rewarding for all involved. However, if things don't work out as expected, we will work with the foster carer and the local authority to make alternative arrangements.
What if someone in my household smokes?
Research shows that health is adversely
affected by passive smoking and that
children are more likely to smoke if
people they regard as role models
smoke. We therefore discourage foster carers
from smoking in front of children and
expect you to have clear arrangements
within your home to ensure smoke-free areas where children spend time.
We would be unlikely to place foster children
under five or those with disabilities in a
household where someone smokes.
Can I continue working in my current job and also be a foster carer?
Where couples are applying to be foster carers, both partners
will be required to undertake preparation,
training and assessment. Because of the
needs of some foster children, the local authority
responsible may require a placement
where at least one foster carer is available at
home during the day. If you are a single
working foster carer, you will be asked to identify
others in your network who could be
available to offer care in an emergency
or on a regular basis, and who will be
expected to understand the responsibility
of caring for a looked after child.
What if I am already a foster carer for another agency?
People cannot be registered with more
than one fostering agency. If you are
a foster carer for another agency you
will need to discuss your interest in
joining St Christopher’s with your current
supervising social worker. We will then,
with your permission, contact the agency
to discuss the practicalities. There are
protocols in place to guide agencies in
respect of arrangements when foster
carers leave one agency and become
registered as foster carers with another
agency. You will need to undertake
a period of further preparation and
assessment, and we are required to
take up fresh references and to undertake
a Criminal Records Bureau check.
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