Foster Care

[Melissa]

Hello,

I have been looking on the internet about becoming a foster carer.

Is anyone a foster carer here?

If so would you be able to tell us what it is like and how everything works.

Many Thanks in advance

Melissa
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Theory test - passed - 05/04/2007 CBT - passed - 08/04/2007 A2 - passed - 13/06/2007

[MaybeGuy]

i dont care much for fosters.
bud is better
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Blue_SV650S wrote: it was a sh1te wheelie, but it proves that he can get it up in 3rd and can do angles. In summery, mattsprattuk is a gobby little sh1tebag, dopehead tw4t, but sadly for all of us, he probably isn't THAT full of sh1te!!
Kickstart wrote: Hi I tend to agree with Matt. All the best Keith

[MinhDinh]

[MaybeGuy]

stella is for people with massive mood swings and beaten up wives.
its in the same league as castlemaine.
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Blue_SV650S wrote: it was a sh1te wheelie, but it proves that he can get it up in 3rd and can do angles. In summery, mattsprattuk is a gobby little sh1tebag, dopehead tw4t, but sadly for all of us, he probably isn't THAT full of sh1te!!
Kickstart wrote: Hi I tend to agree with Matt. All the best Keith

[Dischord]

I hear you get like 250 a week, I'll take 4 please
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2012 KTM EXC 250

Check out my vids - https://www.youtube.com/user/KTMSparky/videos

[MinhDinh]

[cal91]

My parents were gonna do it, but it sounded to much of a hassle.

They didnt like the fact every person that came to your house on a regualar basis (Family, Friends etc) all had to be police checked etc.

That seemed like to much of a arse on. Plus my parents didnt like the fact the kids you get can have all sorts of problems, from drugs to mental issues. You just wouldnt feel safe in your own home anymore. Its not a home when you have to put a lock on your bedroom door, your medicine cabinet needs to be locked and alarmed and your house needs to fit all the health and safety specs.

But i guess its for the kids

BTW you all know Magners cider is better
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We are the Patriots! Love your country.

[hellkat]

The initial procedures ARE quite detailed, obviously they don't want any old Tom Dick and Harry fostering fragile kids.

They weren't very impressed with my track record of alpha males, tiresome domestics, divorces, druggie friends (even though I rarely partake) and assorted other misdemeanours, despite the fact that I work hard, earn money, pay taxes, cook well, clean home, comfortable surroundings, and that I really really really wanted to make a difference to a disadvantaged kid's life, and that I've brought up my own kid to be a (reasonably) sensible and viable member of society.

I was probably a bit too honest with them
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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[Itchy]

[MaybeGuy]

[Ariel Badger]

Hi Mel.
I take it you are looking for sensible answers not the above trolling.
I have never fostered but I do work with cared for children. Cared for children can put a lot of pressure on a family and life with them is not easy. The one thing they need is stability, love is a luxury. Ignore the money, if you are doing it for the cash you should not be doing it at all.
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[EddyJones]

My mother is a foster carer has been a since before I was born (19+ years) and she loves it.

The initial process is fairly drawn out from what I have heard, purely on the basis that you do not want someone unsuitable looking after potential unstable kids.

Have you tried ringing your local social services? Ours have days where you book a place and you come and basicly have a talk in a group with actual foster carers, Eg. 5 couples who are interested in fostering would talk to our family to try and get a better idea of what its like and how it affects you as a family etc. I think this would be the best thing for you as your talking directly to someone who is in the position that you are interested in.

After you've passed the application process you can normaly choose what age ranges you would like to foster, obviously this does depend on things Eg you may not be allowed to foster someone over 18yo if you dont have a spare room for them to sleep in, a toddeler or child would be fine however as they can sleep in the same room. There would be more but thats the only thing that really springs to mind tbh.

If your worried about the impact it may have on you or your family it may be worth looking into restbite care, this is when you look after another foster carers children on the weekend to basicly give the family a break. This is a good stepping stone to go from not fostering to full time foster care.

I dont really know much more to tell you, however if you do have any questions let me know or PM me and I would be happy to ask my mum for you lol.

[strag]

Mel, the only way you will find out is to approach Social Services (CSF) or a fostering agency. The process is complex and lengthy. There is a very comprehensive assessment process, be prepared to have your life, your family and friends lives examined in detail.

Financial reward is not the name of the game here, it is about the children (they will not be over 18 as mentioned in a post above). Carers do get an allowance, it is not a wage, but neither are carers expected to lose out financially, £250 a week is very optimistic! Allowances are paid on the age and needs of the child.

Children that are fostered, accommodated or looked after (LAC) will come under different sections of the childrens act i.e. children on full care orders and children in voluntary care.

They will come from a range of backgrounds and situations, some will bring with them significant difficulties depending on their experience, so it can be very challenging. You must remember, the children that are fostered are going to be the most damaged and challenging, they will very rarely be anything other than those things. It can also be very emotional and very rewarding.

Foster carers will have to attend regular meetings with CSF, Youth Justice and others, and have home visits to discuss the child's progress, also taking on the role of parent and all the usual tasks that go along with it.

I could go on but, my advice would be to go along to an open evening where you can talk to professionals and foster carers to see if it is for you and your family.
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