Frequently Asked Questions | Fostering for Wolverhampton

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Here are some of the questions we get asked most often about fostering

If there is something in particular you would like to know more about please call us on 01902 551133

How long does it take to become a foster parent?

It is usually 16 weeks from application to become approved as a foster parent.

The first step on your journey is to contact us to find out more. We can then go through an application with you over the phone. This takes approximately 30 minutes.

After this, a social worker will come to visit you at home to find out more about you. You can also ask us questions too.

Skills to foster training is completed during the assessment process and introduces you to the skills and knowledge you need to develop as a foster parent.

The next stage is assessment, where your assessing social worker works with you to write a report about you and your suitability to become foster parent(s). This part of the process can take around 12 weeks and once it’s finished you and your social worker are invited to Foster Panel to discuss your assessment and consider the recommendations.

What is the difference between adoption and fostering?

Adoption means taking a child into your home permanently and legally as part of your family but fostering usually means offering a temporary home to children until they either return to the family home or move on to live with a relative, adopter or long-term foster parent. There are many similarities between adoption and long term fostering. In both cases you will look after a child as if they were your own son or daughter. The differences are mainly to do with the legal status of the child.

What effect will fostering have on my own family?

It is important that you talk to any children living with you about how they feel about fostering. Fostering will affect them as much as it will affect you. Ask them about how they might feel about sharing your time with other children. Ask how they might feel about sharing space in the house and possibly toys as well. We’ll need to assess your partner as well as you. You will also need to consider your wider family, will they be around to help you? Will they babysit? Will they include your foster children in outings and parties etc?.

Can I afford to look after another child?

You will receive a weekly payment for each child in your care. This varies according to the age of the child or young person in your care and is intended to cover the costs of food or clothing, household items, personal care, pocket money and travel costs. These benefits do not usually affect any benefit you receive or tax you pay. Looking after a sibling group of children offers an increased payment. You can find out more in the payments, support and training section here. Or call us on 01902 551133 .

Can I foster if I’m not married?

Many carers are single people or unmarried couples. Some have their own children, some don’t.

Do I have all the abilities needed?

Few foster parents would claim to start out with all the abilities they need. Our preparation course equips you with an understanding of the required skills to foster and you can continue to receive training throughout the time you foster.

Can I cope with a child who behaves badly?

You may be amazed at what you do. There are practical ways that can help in difficult situations such as offering support from your Supervising Social Worker and specific training courses.

Will I be told everything about a child who comes to stay with me?

You will not be asked to look after a child without first being given all available information about the child’s history and behaviour. You will have every opportunity to discuss any doubts you have with your fostering Social Worker and the child’s Social Worker.

Will I meet the child’s parents or other family members?

Most children benefit from contact with their parents or other family members and this is organised by the child’s Social Worker. Contact is usually supervised by specialist workers and you will be required to transport your child to and from face to face contact arrangements.

What’s the difference between a foster parent’s responsibilities and a parent’s?

A foster parent has no legal rights over a child in their care, but has responsibility for the day to day care of the child.

Can I cope emotionally?

Again, you will learn to cope as you go on. There will be times when you will be upset, perhaps when a child you have become fond of moves on. Your fostering Social Worker and other foster parents will help support you, but remember there will be plenty of times when fostering is fun and personally rewarding.

Will I be able to let a child go at the end of the placement?

Unless you opt for long term fostering, you will have to let them go. In exceptional cases a child may live with short term parents for several years but the aim is always to secure a permanent home for a child.

Can I meet a child’s cultural needs?

Every attempt is made to match the racial, language, cultural, dietary and religious needs of a child with a suitable parent. When this isn’t possible you may be asked to foster a child from a different background to your own.

What age will the children be?

You could foster children of any age between 0 and 18 years of age. We also need foster parents who are interested in caring for parent and child placements and sibling groups.

Will the child continue to go to their own school or attend a school within my community?

Children placed long term may transfer to a school within your community. Children placed short term may continue going to their regular school with their friends. The child’s individual circumstances will be taken into account when deciding what schooling is best for them.

What happens if the child does not get along with my family?

Your Supervising Social Worker will discuss possible solutions with you. If necessary, a child may have to be found a more suitable placement for their needs.

Can a foster child come along on holiday with us?

Children are encouraged to experience as many things as possible and to participate in everyday family routines.

Am I too old?

Foster parents can be any age over 21. Some of our best parents didn’t start fostering until they were in their 50’s but equally we have excellent parents who are in their 20’s and 30’s.

Am I too overweight?

There is no weight limit. If your doctor thinks you’re fit enough to foster so do we.

Can I foster if I smoke?

Some parents smoke, however we do not place children under 5 in a smoking household. Foster parents are not permitted to smoke in the house.

Can I foster if I have a criminal record?

We try to get a balanced picture of where people are now in their lives. Minor offences committed some time ago needn’t exclude you from fostering, although serious offences like violence or offences against children will. Talk in confidence to a representative from Fostering for Wolverhampton if you have concerns about this.