Question 1

What is fostering?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of foster care is to provide a safe and stable environment for children who cannot be looked after by their own families. Fostered children stay with their foster carers until their own families are able to look after them, which can vary from a few days or until they are 18 and over depending on the needs of the child.

Question 2

Why do children go into fostering?

Accepted Answer

There are lots of reasons why children go into foster care. Sometimes they have been abused or neglected by their parents, or other times their parents have an illness which means they need to be looked after on a short-term basis. We exist to support the children in these situations.

Question 3

What is adoption and how is this different to fostering?

Accepted Answer

When a child is adopted their legal relationship with their birth parents ends and all responsibilities for them are transferred to their adoptive parents. When a child is fostered, however, their birth family carry on being their legal guardians. Foster parents receive extra support which adoptive parents don't, such as financial allowances, on-going training, and 24/7 support from social workers.

Question 4

What are foster care agencies?

Accepted Answer

Foster care agencies, such as Parallel Parents, are private companies that work in partnership with Local Authorities in order to place children and young people with foster carers.

Question 5

Why choose Parallel Parents instead of a Local Authority?

Accepted Answer

Parallel Parents offer foster carers better personal support than Local Authorities are able to because our social workers have fewer foster carers to support. We also provide better financial allowances (up to £500 per week per child you look after), give our foster carers paid holidays and breaks, and train our foster carers regularly.

Question 6

What are foster care allowances?

Accepted Answer

Foster care allowances are given to foster carers in order to practically help them care for the children they look after – and reward them for their hard work. If you foster with Parallel Parents you can receive up to £500 per week, per child you look after. This is usually tax-free and doesn't affect any benefits you already receive.

Question 7

Does a criminal record prevent me from being a foster carer?

Accepted Answer

Having a criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from becoming a foster carer – it depends what your convictions relate to and how recently they have taken place. Each case is individually looked at when you apply.

Question 8

Do I need to be able to drive?

Accepted Answer

Just like any child, fostered children need to be taken to school, go on outings and visit their family and friends. Being able to drive makes all this a lot easier, but if you cannot drive fostering is still open to you as long as you have good access to public transport.

Question 9

What checks are carried out for me to become a foster carer?

Accepted Answer

When you apply to be a foster carer you will have a criminal record check and a medical assessment. We'll also request a check from your Local Authority and will get references from your friends, family and employer.

Question 10

How long does it take to become a foster carer?

Accepted Answer

It usually takes about six months to become a foster carer. Once you have been approved you could have your first placement the next day but it's more likely that you'll wait a few weeks for the right child for you and your family. For more information on the process of becoming a foster carer get in touch.

Question 11

Can I foster if I'm not originally from the UK?

Accepted Answer

If you're a non-EU citizen you need to have indefinite leave to remain in the UK in order to become a foster carer. If you have lived in the UK for less than five years we also need to complete criminal record checks and other background checks from your previous countries of residence during that time.

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