FAQ's
As with any decision, it is important to know all the facts first. That is why we have detailed the answers to the questions we get asked most by people, like you, who are thinking about making one of the biggest and most rewarding decisions of their life.
If you need any other questions answering, whatever they might be, just give us a call. Our number is 08453 700 500.
Are there lots of checks?
Do I have to own my home?
Do I have to have a spare bedroom?
Can I continue working?
Can I choose the age and sex of the foster children?
How does fostering affect other children within our family?
I’m not married– does this matter?
My partner doesn’t live with me should I include them on the application form?
How long does the assessment process take?
Would I be classed as self-employed?
What support is given?
What is involved in the assessment?
Are there lots of checks?
We do carry out Enhanced Criminal Record / Scottish Disclosure checks to make sure we don’t appoint people who have a history of violence, or crimes against children. You will also have a medical to ensure you are fit enough to care for children. There is an NSPCC check. There is also a local authority check to see if you have had any previous involvement with Social Services. If you have children living at home, we will also need school references and health visitor references if you have children under six years. If you have ever worked with children we will need a reference from each employer and we require a reference from your current employer. We contact all referees by letters and telephone. These checks may seem intrusive, however they are necessary – we must make sure that foster children are kept safe from harm whilst in our care.
What does a Criminal Record check involve? Click here to find out
Do I have to own my home?
No, it doesn’t matter if own or rent your home, or if you live in council or housing association accommodation so long as your rent or mortgage payments are up to date, and it is of a clean standard. The important thing is that you are settled and not likely to leave at short notice and that you can offer a foster child or young person his or her own room.
Do I have to have a spare bedroom?
Yes, and this must be available at the time of application. Part of the assessment takes into consideration your accommodation and if a spare bedroom is not available the assessment can not go ahead. If your child has gone off to University and you plan to use their bedroom, will there be enough room when they come home for holidays?
Can I continue working?
It is possible to continue working in some circumstances as long as you have some flexibility within your employment and a support network in place. Most of our carers do not work as the role of a foster carer is a recognised profession. We certainly wouldn’t expect anyone to give up work prior to becoming approved as a foster carer.
Can I choose the age and sex of the foster children?
During the assessment process, we will discuss with you which children you could foster – this may include children of a specific age or gender. We are looking for carers to be flexible around age range and feel that more important than age is that the individual needs of the child are met by the foster carer’s skills and knowledge. If your preference is very specific it may take a while to find a suitable placement.
How does fostering affect other children within our family?
If you have made the decision to foster as a family, and your children are kept fully informed about what’s happening, they are likely to find it a rewarding experience.
I’m not married– does this matter?
We are not looking for a specific family set up. Much more important is your commitment to fostering, and your ability to offer a child or young person a safe and secure environment at a difficult time in their lives.
My partner doesn’t live with me should I include them on the application form?
If your partner stays over regularly and there is a possibility that you may move in together at some stage in the future then you should include them on the application form.
How long does the assessment process take?
From three to six months – depending upon your availability but it is usually completed within four months.
Would I be classed as self-employed?
Yes. Fostering Solutions’ foster carers do not become employees of the company and are therefore responsible for making their own payments of income tax and national insurance. Fostering Solutions provide information on tax and national insurance once foster carers are approved. In recognition of the valuable role of foster carers, the regime is extremely generous and many foster carers pay little or no tax.
