Fostering is one of the most rewarding and valuable experiences you can do in life. Taking on a foster child gives you the opportunity to change the life of a young person immeasurably for the better. There are very few other jobs in society, where you can have such a tangible and special impact on an individual. If you have been thinking about one day becoming a foster parent, then you will most likely be familiar with the fact that fostering is a long-term process, a commitment that comes with huge amounts of responsibility and duty.
There are so many different elements you need to consider before you fully dedicate yourself to fostering and this life-changing job. Fortunately, to make things easier the team at Fostering UK has compiled a short post that details everything you need-to-know about being a foster parent – read on below to find out more.
Determining Eligibility for Fostering
Becoming a foster parent requires a number of certain criteria to be met by you; in the UK, there are various conditions that mean not just anyone can foster. For example, it is required that you are at least 21 years of age, have a full UK residency or have indefinite leave to remain in the UK. What’s more, you must be able to take care of the foster child or young person, on a completely full-time basis. Foster care is not a part time arrangement, it is demanding and all-encompassing – a 24/7 job. But this is what makes it so special and worthwhile.
The Different Responsibilities it Involves
When you take on a foster child, you will have multiple responsibilities as a parent. The most obvious one being that you will need to provide care to the foster child as part of a team – usually working with the local authority, schools, health professionals and the child’s birth family. In addition to this, another responsibility is keeping records and writing reports about the foster child. Moreover, you will have to attend meetings for the foster child, as well as training sessions too. Finally, you will need to support the child or young person to better manage their behaviour and feelings.
Various Types of Foster Care
Fostering comes in a variety of shapes and sizes – the most widely known of these being as a long-term commitment, where the foster child stays with the foster parent until they reach adulthood. However, fostering could also be a short-term arrangement, where care is provided for just a few weeks or months. You can also be a foster parent for a child who is disabled or has special needs, or for an asylum-seeking child who has been separated from their birth family.
Assistance with the Cost of Fostering
When you become a foster parent in the UK, you will receive financial support to assist with the cost of fostering. Every foster parent receives an allowance, with the minimum amount typically for Fostering UK foster carer’s being between £400 and £700 a week, if you were looking after a child with complex needs. The amount you receive depends on several factors such as where you live, the child’s age, the child’s specific needs, and your skills and experience.
Searching for Luton Fostering Services?
If you’re looking for Luton fostering services, then call Fostering UK today on 0333 044 8890. Our friendly team can provide you with all the information you need regarding the fostering process, as well as help you begin your journey.
Alternatively, you can also drop Fostering UK a message via the online form on our website. We’ll get back to your enquiry as soon as possible. In the meantime, visit the Fostering UK website today – you’ll find extensive information about fostering and all the major questions answered.
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