Help turn lives around
Becoming a foster carer can make a massive difference to the youngsters you’ll look after
THERE are loads of careers that can have a huge impact on other people’s lives such as doctors, teachers and social workers.
Then there are foster carers, whose role continues way beyond the usual nine-to-five jobs that most of us have.
Being a foster carer means sharing your home with a child or children and it can be hugely rewarding and challenging.
When a child cannot be cared for by parents or guardians, they could be placed in a foster home with approved carers.
Fostering is different from adoption as it’s usually a temporary arrangement, although the child’s stay could be on a short-term, longterm or on an emergency basis.
It’s a big responsibility and hugely important in providing a secure, stable and nurturing environment for the young person.
You can apply to become a foster carer through local councils, independent fostering agencies or charities.
Anyone can apply to be a foster carer – there is no upper age limit or restrictions based on sexual orientation or marital status.
You will need to be a full-time resident in the UK and, in most cases, you’ll be required to have a spare room.
Foster carers often have a dedicated social worker to help them through the journey, as well as access to around the clock support.
As a foster carer, you could make a massive difference to a child’s life – as well as your own. If you’re an agency foster carer, you’ll receive a fostering allowance from the local authority. The allowance is designed to cover the costs of caring for the child and will vary depending on your local authority and the child’s age and needs.
Your agency can provide information on allowances and guidance on tax and National Insurance payments.
There are no qualifications required to become a foster carer but you will have to go through a rigorous assessment process before being approved.
This usually takes around six months and fostering panels are used by local authorities to approve applicants.
If you’re married or sharing the care with someone else, you’ll both have to be assessed and approved.
You’ll be required to provide references and will have to agree to medical and criminal records checks.
Scottish Government, www.gov. scot
Citizens Advice Scotland, www. citizensadvice.org.uk
mygov.scot, www.mygov.scot/ foster-carer
THE LOWDOWN THE PAY THE TRAINING THE CONTACTS