Fostering - Frequently Asked Questions Answered : Cumbria County Council

There is no such thing as a typical foster carer. We welcome people from a variety of different backgrounds, experiences and circumstances. We need people who are able to offer a genuine commitment to children. You can apply to become a foster carer if you are married, single, cohabiting or divorced. Your race, religion or sexuality won’t affect your application. Other factors such as your health, or whether you have a job, or a disability, will be assessed on a case- by-case basis. Foster carers need to be able to communicate well with children, demonstrate a responsible and sympathetic approach, and have enough energy to look after them. Other qualities that foster carers and children in Cumbria have told us are important are things like a sense of humour, wanting to make dreams come true, and, crucially, ‘stickability’!

Do I need to have a particular type of accommodation?

No. You may have your own home, rent from the council or rent privately. If it is rented we will have to have written permission from your landlord that you can foster. What is more important is that you can provide enough space for children to sleep, play and do their homework. We would ask that you are settled in your home and have lived in Cumbria for three years.

Are there any age restrictions to becoming a foster carer?

The minimum age to foster a child in Cumbria is 21 years. Although there is no upper age restriction for foster carers we have to ensure that we are realistic when matching and placing a child or children with you. Your age and your health will be taken into account when considering the age of the child or children you could foster.

I am a smoker – can I foster?

We will not approve people who smoke to care for children aged up to five years, or children with a disability. This is because of the particularly high health risks for very young children and toddlers and children with a disability who spend most of their day physically close to their carers. All foster carers are asked not to smoke, and not to permit those around them to smoke.

What about criminal records?

Everyone in a household over 18 will have to have a ‘police check.’ ( Criminal Record Bureau Check) Anyone with a conviction for ill treatment of children will not be considered as a foster carer. Any other convictions or cautions would need to be discussed.

Will we be refused if one of us has had an illness?

Everyone who applies to foster is required to have a detailed medical check with his or her own doctor. Fostering a child can be stressful and people need to be physically able to do the job. If you have a medical or mental health condition tell us at the beginning of your discussions with us and you will be advised if you can proceed with your application.

Can we foster a child if we have our own child or children?

Foster care applicants who have their own children are welcome to apply. We would want to explore with you the impact of fostering on your own children as part of the initial process.

Can we foster if we have pets?

Many of our current carers have pets. As part of your assessment we would ask you and your vet questions about your pet. We need to know if your pet will have a problem accepting a child into your home.

Will you have to contact my ex partner and grown up children?

Where you have had previous significant relationships, cared for your own children, or worked with children we need to know whether your conduct gave any rise for concern. All previous significant partners need to be contacted particularly if you have had the care of children within these relationships. This will be undertaken sensitively.

Will I get paid?

You will be paid an allowance for the child or children placed with you. There is also a small fee payable to you as a carer. You can see the current details on the Cumbria County Council web site.

What support and training will I get?

You will be allocated a supervising social worker who will visit you on a regular basis. They will offer you supervision, support, and prepare you for the sometimes difficult task of being a foster carer. Your supervising social worker will make a training and development plan with you (and your partner if you have one) within 6 weeks of you becoming a foster carer. Your plan will include completion of the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) Training and Development Standards (Induction). The CWDC is the body responsible for ensuring that anyone working with children, young people and their families has the best possible training, qualifications, support and advice. Their standards have been designed to support you as a foster carer from approval through the first two years of service. They give you a framework for your training and development. A separate brochure on the CWDC is available. We will draw up a training program, covering such issues as child protection, safe caring, attachment, medical issues and assertiveness, with you. Training usually takes place during the day, between 10:00am and 3.00pm, so you can get your foster child off to school and be there for their return. If you do not have anyone from your support network to care for your foster child whilst you are at training, you can ask for a support worker look after them. We also offer on-line training and NVQ Level 3 in child care – please ask your training and support officer or supervising social worker for more details.

Title	Date	Size
Fostering
Foster Carer Mileage Claim Form	11/04/2011	132k
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Fostering Service - Statement of Purpose 2011 - 2012	07/02/2012	289k
Guide to the Payment of Foster Carers - 9 April 2012 - 31 March 2013	16/03/2012	51k
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CMO Physical Activity Guidelines for Children
Physical Activity Guidelines for Children and Yound People (5-18 Years)	11/04/2012	554k
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