Questions about Fostering and Foster Families
What is the difference between a nongovernment fostering agency and the government child protection department?
The demand for fostering outstrips the ability for the government child protection department to supply this service. Non-government fostering agencies such as Key Assets work in partnership with them to fill the gap. We have our own staff to ensure that the needs of the carers and children are serviced to the highest possible standard.
What sort of children and young people are referred to Key Assets?
We accept children and young people from a wide range of situations. These children may have complex histories and display challenging behaviour patterns. Our carers receive high levels of support and training in order to help these children.
Who can apply to be a foster carer?
Anyone can apply to be a foster carer. It does not matter if you are married, partnered or single.
Would previous convictions prevent someone from fostering?
A previous criminal conviction would not necessarily disqualify you from fostering: it would depend on the nature of the conviction and when it occurred. It is standard for us to check police records at an early stage in the application. This information would remain confidential at all times.
What sorts of checks are carried out on me and my home?
We undertake an assessment process that includes a criminal records check, checks with the government child protection department and a standard safety check on your home.
If I am going to be the main foster carer, do you need to carry out checks on my partner?
We regard all couples living together as partners in the fostering process so we would require that you both have the necessary checks and training and take part in the assessment process. We also need to carry out checks on anyone in the household over the age of 10, even if you are the main carer.
Can a child I foster share a bedroom with one of my own children?
Key Assets will only place a child in a home where he or she will have their own bedroom (unless they are siblings).
Can I still go out to work and be a foster carer?
Key Assets firmly believes that effective fostering can only be achieved by having one carer at home full time. Our carers have a professional obligation and we offer them an appropriate weekly allowance that recognises this.
Can I choose how long I want children and young people to stay with me?
You can decide which types of placement would suit you best. If you would prefer emergency or short term placements, you do need to be aware that it isn’t always possible to know at the beginning of a placement exactly when a child will move on.
Can I choose which age group or sex I would prefer to foster?
Yes, you can. However, if you are relying on income from fostering, you are far more likely to have continuous placements if you are willing to take teenagers as well as younger children. We also require carers with sufficient space to take sibling groups. These children are often younger.
How much will I know about the young person before they are placed with me?
We will provide you with as much information about the young person and his/her background as possible, including any difficult behaviours, prior to the placement. However, you do need to be aware that initially we may have very little information to offer you, especially in an emergency.
Who is responsible for taking the children to school and to the doctor etc?
We would normally expect carers to undertake these tasks. If you have difficulties, your social worker would endeavour to make alternative arrangements.
Are we allowed to smack foster children?
No form of corporal (physical) punishment is acceptable under the regulations governing fostering. This would include any form of smacking, slapping or shaking. We provide training to all our carers on alternative and effective ways to cope with any difficult behaviour.
What sort of help would I get with a child who has special needs or a disability?
If a child has ongoing medical needs, this will be explained to you before the placement is made and you will receive all the assistance necessary. This may include providing specialist equipment or training.
What sort of support will I get if I’m finding it difficult to cope?
You will have your own Key Assets social worker and support will be available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are also building a team of resource workers to increase the support. We provide 21 nights paid respite breaks for carers each year, and additional respite breaks if considered necessary.
What does the weekly allowance cover? Your weekly allowance for each child fostered is intended to cover all living costs such as food, clothes, basic travel, contribution to household bills, children’s pocket money, regular recreational activities, birthday and christmas gifts etc. Occasionally, extra contributions can be made.
What sort of training will I get to be a foster carer? We hold a ‘Preparation for Fostering’ training course that usually takes place at Key Assets or in your own home. Course attendees report that they find the course extremely enjoyable and informative. Lunch and refreshments are provided. Training is essential and we support carers to attend.
If I decide to apply, how long will I have to wait before I begin having placements? We start the assessment once your application is received. The assessment includes Criminal Record Checks, Medical Reports and references. The assessment will take approximately 2-3 months. When it is completed and you are approved, you can begin taking placements immediately.