Fostering

Photo: A foster carer and children (models used for the photo)

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 foster care.

Fostering Events in 2010

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:

Thursday 18th March
Thursday 10th June
Thursday 16th September
Thursday 2nd December

Please ring the Recruitment Team for more details or to book your place.

Why do children need fostering?

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

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

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 dual heritage White/Asian and White/Caribbean children as well as a number of African Muslim children.

Who can foster?

We welcome enquiries from everyone.

You can be married, single or cohabiting, with or without children
You can be living in your own house, or in rented accommodation, but you must have a spare bedroom for the foster child.
You can be working or on state benefits
You can belong to any religion, race or culture

If you have a certain type of criminal record, you would not be eligible to foster. For more information about this please contact the Recruitment Team.

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. You need to have time, energy and understanding plus 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?

Foster carers are paid a weekly fee per household while they are fostering a child or young person. In addition, an allowance is paid to cover the cost of caring for the child or young person, depending on his/her age. This is to pay for expenses like electricity and gas, food and clothing. The basic allowances are not taxable.

What else will be provided?

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

Why foster for Coventry?

The most important reason is the children we look after. They are Coventry kids who want to stay in their home town.

Coventry Fostering Service can offer you:

Reassurance

We are an experienced and friendly group of staff who will take time to talk and listen to you.
You will be working with a fostering agency rated "outstanding' by OFSTED.

Preparation and support (before you are approved)

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.
You will have a named social worker through the approval process.

Training and support (after you are approved)

You will have a named social worker to support you throughout your fostering career.
An out-of-hours advice line is available 365 days a year.
Our flexible training programme is delivered at evenings and weekends or online.
You have the opportunity to gain an NVQ in Health and Social Care.
You can join one of our local support groups which are run by experienced Coventry foster carers.

Career progression

Our scale of fostering fees recognises your increasing skills, knowledge and experience.

Membership of Coventry Foster Carers' Association

This is your opportunity to have a say in how our service develops.

Membership of The Fostering Network

This is the UK's leading charity for people involved in fostering.
As an approved foster carer you have access to their free, independent advice and mediation service.