What help is provided?
Before you are accepted as a carer you will receive initial preparation and training as part of the assessment process. The next section 'Information on Assessment' will tell you more about this process. Once you have been accepted as a carer you will receive 'Induction Training' as a new carer. You will then be expected to take part in ongoing training and support helping to develop both your knowledge and skills in your role as a carer. Experienced carers play an important role on the ongoing training and support of other foster carers.
As a foster carer you will have a named 'Link Worker', who is an experienced social worker and whose job it is to support you and your family in the care and support of children who are placed with your family.
Any child in your care will have their own social worker. This person will be responsible for the 'Care Plan' for that child. This will involve meeting with both you and the child regularly. The social worker has a legal requirement to visit depending on the circumstances and needs of the child. These visits will include at least one unannounced visit each year.
Foster Carers receive a weekly payment for the time a child or young person is with them. A 'Foster Carer's Allowance' is a fee paid to you as a carer in recognition of the commitment you have made. In addition a weekly 'Fostering Allowance' is paid to meet the costs of looking after the child. Allowances are paid according to a child's age.