One of the most important stages in your journey towards becoming a foster carer is gathering

1. Could you foster?This presentation has been put together to help you consider many of the factors involved in fostering for Worcestershire County Council

2. Could you Foster? One of the most important stages in your journey towards becoming a foster carer is gathering information and carrying out research. When people first approach us we are aware that they will be at a slightly different stage; some have been thinking about fostering for years whilst for others it will be very early days. By downloading & reading the Fostering Information Pack from our website we hope that some of your questions will be answered. But you will have the opportunity to ask many more throughout the process.

3. Could you Foster? • Nationally there is estimated to be around 27,000 Foster Carers • At any given time there are 60,000 children being “looked after” by foster families • It is estimated that there is a shortage of around 10,000 foster carers • In addition, the foster carer population is ’ageing’, with many approaching retirement National Fostering Statistics

4. Could you Foster? • We currently have just over 200 Foster Carers • There are over 600 children in the care of the Local Authority, the majority of whom will be in a fostering placement • Currently there is a particular need to find foster carers for young children (babies & pre-school) and teenagers Statistics for Worcestershire

5. Could you Foster? Why do we need foster carers? We have found through experience that the outcomes for most children are best when they have a good experience within a family setting. Foster families are the preferred solution to offer ‘looked after children’ the safe, supportive and nurturing environment that they need.

6. Could you Foster? Children placed with foster carers are likely to have experienced many DISRUPTIONS AND DIFFICULTIES before being placed They will need TIME, ATTENTION AND PATIENCE to enable them to settle Children need a positive experience of FAMILY LIFE Fostering will affect the WHOLE FAMILY so in order to foster successfully, everyone in the family needs to be on board (even the dog!)

7. Could you Foster? Types of fostering… • Short term – anything from a few days to a couple of years • Long term – normally through to independence • Respite– usually to provide another carer with a break/holiday • Intensive Care– time limited placements with carers who have substantial experience

8. Could you Foster? So who can apply? Age- You must be over 21, but there is no upper age limit Accommodation-It doesn’t matter if you own your own home or if it is rented – but you must have a spare room Relationship - You can be single, married, in a relationship or civil partnership Experience- Ideally you will have some child care experience or have worked with young people

9. Could you Foster? What if I have a Criminal Conviction? • All convictions, including spent ones, have to be considered as Foster Carers will be caring for vulnerable children • All convictions will be considered and assessed in context • Any sexual offences committed when an adult will exclude the individual from fostering • Some other offences may exclude you from fostering • We need to ensure children are protected

10. Could you Foster? What other checks will be carried out? • Local Authority check (inc. previous addresses) • Child and Family Court Advisory Support Service • Employer (including armed forces if relevant) • Foster Care or Adoption agencies (previous applications) • Personal and family references (for both applicants) • Previous partners (especially where you have parented children) • Primary Health/GP (a full medical will be needed) • Schools (where your own children attend/attended) • International Checks (if you have lived abroad since adulthood)

11. Could you Foster? What do Worcestershire provide for foster carers? • Regular placements • Fees and allowances paid • ‘Retainer’ payments when vacant • Allocated social worker offering 1:1 support • 24/7 emergency support • Excellent ongoing training & development • Specialist education and health support • Local and Countywide foster carer support groups • Respite as required • Concessionary leisure passes • Free summer activities • Social events • Newsletters

12. Could you Foster? Financial Support These figures are based on per child/per week: • Foster Care Allowance - £114 - £172* (depends on age of child) • Fostering Fee - £73.71 - £134.40 (based on experience level) Retainers – 50% of fee up to 8 weeks following end of placement Initial clothing grant plus payments additional payments for birthdays, holidays etc. *last updated June 2012

13. Could you Foster? What happens next? • Initial Enquiry – complete online or call 0800 028 2158 • Full telephone enquiry / discussion with social worker • Home Visit by social worker • Preparation training followed by home visit • Formal Written Application Form • Fostering Assessment (sometimes called Form F) • Fostering Panel Following acceptance of your written application we aim to get you to panel within 4 months

14. Could you Foster? We hope you found this presentation usefulIf you feel you are ready, then it’s time to Register Your Interest!