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Fostering

Fostering is a way of providing a family life for children and young people while they cannot live with their own parents.  It is often used to provide temporary care while parents get help sorting out problems or need to take a break.  It can also help children or young people through a difficult period in their lives. Most children return home within a short time, but a few need long term care.

Foster Care Fortnight 12-25th May 2008

This is a great time to start thinking about fostering.  Come along to our city centre event on Saturday 17th May from 10am to 3pm under Broadgate canopy.  You can chat to members of the Recruitment Team and local foster carers to find out more about fostering in Coventry.  There will also be lots of information in national and local newspapers, magazines and on GMTV.

Fostering Information Evenings

If you are thinking about becoming a foster carer and would like to find out more, come along to one of our information evenings.  You will be able to talk to members of our Recruitment Team and hear from an experienced Coventry foster carer.  The events take place at a central Coventry location from 7-9pm on the following dates:

• Thursday 5th June
• Thursday 25th September
• Thursday 4th December

Why do children need fostering?

There are many different reasons why children need foster care. They could include:

• Family crisis, i.e. parent going into hospital
• Children who have been physically or sexually abused and been removed from their parents by the courts
• Relationship difficulties between children and parents

Who needs foster care?

Children and young people aged 0-18 years from different cultures and backgrounds need foster care at certain times in their lives. Foster carers are particularly needed for young people aged 12 and over and for brothers and sisters who need to be kept together. We currently need foster carers for single children or brothers and sisters over the age of 8 years.

Who can foster?

Anybody can apply to foster, though if you have a certain type of criminal record, you would not be eligible.

• You can be married, single or cohabiting, with or without children
• You can be living in your own house, or in rented accommodation
• You can be working or on state benefits
• You can belong to any religion, race or culture

We need families or single carers who are of White, African, African Caribbean or Asian decent, or who are of mixed parentage, or who have a mixed relationship.

What sort of person fosters?

Children need your care, your time and your skills. You have to be interested in and able to talk to children and young people. have time, energy and understanding with a sense of humour. You also have to be willing to work as part of a team with parents and social workers.

Will I get paid?

You will receive allowances and a fee which cover the cost of caring for a child depending on his/her age. The basic allowances are not taxable. Extra allowances can be paid in certain circumstances.

What else will be provided?

You will be provided with any equipment needed for children you are fostering, e.g. bedroom furniture, bedding, baby equipment.

Will I get support?

Yes, you will receive support from Family Placement Workers, social workers, other foster carers and local support groups.

Will I receive training?

Yes, you will receive initial training before you are approved, and ongoing training, including N.V.Q. throughout your fostering career.

Why foster for Coventry?

• The children who need homes are Coventry kids who want to stay in their hometown
• We are an experienced and friendly group of staff who will take time to talk and listen to you
• Our preparation groups are run regularly throughout the year so you should not have too long to wait
• Experienced foster carers run these groups with social workers - they will tell you what fostering is really about
• We have support groups for foster carers running in various parts of Coventry, both in the day and in the evenings - run by carers for carers, including groups for men and children.
• There is a comprehensive training programme for you to attend, ranging from first aid to stress management
• You can get a qualification in caring for children - the NVQ in Caring for Children and Young People
• We have a regular newsletter to keep you up to date with developments
• We provide essential items of furniture and bedding for foster children
• You will have free membership of Fostering Network which publishes magazines and leaflets
• You have access to a free, independent advice and mediation service
• There is an insurance scheme to cover you for most losses / damage incurred by a foster child
• You will receive support from a social worker allocated to you. This is separate from the social worker for any child placed with you 

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