The UK Government has outlined the requirements for becoming a foster carer in England, saying people do not need to own a home or give up their jobs to take in children who need temporary or long-term care.
According to guidance published on the GOV.UK website on Friday, prospective foster carers must have the right to work in the UK and be able to provide care for a child or young person.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, although most fostering services require applicants to be 21 or older.
The government also clarified that prospective foster carers do not need to own their homes, but will usually need to have a spare bedroom for the child.
It said people who are employed can still become foster carers, depending on the circumstances of the child and the requirements of the fostering service.
Fostering services may be operated by local councils, regional recruitment hubs or independent fostering agencies.
How to apply to become a foster carer
The government said the application process begins when an individual applies through a local council, regional recruitment hub or independent fostering agency and ends when the fostering service makes a decision on the application.
The process can take up to eight months to complete, although some of the assessment stages may take place in a different order.
Applicants can only apply through one fostering service at a time.
After an application is submitted, the council or agency may ask the prospective foster carer to attend a preparation course to learn about fostering.
The applicant and every adult living in the household must also undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, including checks against the barred lists.
A social worker will then assess the applicant and their family to determine whether they can provide a suitable environment and care for a child.
During the process, applicants are expected to state their preferences regarding the type of foster care they wish to provide and the children they are prepared to care for, including preferences relating to age or gender.
However, the government said applicants cannot select a particular child from a group of children and are not given a trial period with a foster child.
The fostering service will review the application, after which the applicant will meet with its panel, which makes a recommendation before the service reaches a final decision.
What foster carers are expected to do
Foster carers are expected to work with local authorities, schools, healthcare professionals and a child’s birth family to support the child’s welfare and development.
Their responsibilities include keeping records and preparing reports, attending meetings, advocating for the child, supporting their emotional needs and behaviour, and undertaking relevant training.
The government said fostering arrangements can last from one night to several years, including until a young person reaches adulthood.
Can foster carers continue working?
The guidance states that people may continue working while fostering, but this depends on the needs of the child and the requirements of the fostering service.
An applicant’s employer may allow time off to support fostering responsibilities, but there is no statutory right to time off work for ordinary fostering arrangements.
However, people who foster for adoption may be entitled to adoption pay and leave from the time the child comes to live with them.
Where to get advice
People considering fostering can contact Fosterline for free advice on 0800 040 7675, weekdays between 9am and 5pm, except on bank holidays.
The guidance applies to England, with separate arrangements for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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