Every 20 Minutes a Child Comes into Care. #WHOCARES?

During your lunch break, or the time you spend checking Facebook, another child will come into care. Right now, that child is thinking: ‘Who cares?’ And you can change their life by saying: ‘I care.’

We need caring, funny and empathetic people like you to help change lives.

Take the first step.

Learn more about what's involved in fostering by clicking the button to read your free Guide to What Foster Carers Get Paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose how long a child will stay with me?

You will always have the ultimate decision on whether to accept a placement. However, as the duration of placements can often be unclear a flexible approach may be required. We talk through the different types of placements with foster carers during the assessment period to help you make informed decisions in this regards.

Can I choose the age or gender of a child placed with me?

You can choose the age and gender of a placement. However, you are far more likely to have continuous placements if you are willing to take teenagers as well as younger children.

How much will I know about the child before they are placed with me?

We discuss every placement with our carers before any decision is taken.  We will provide you with as much information about the child and their background as possible, including any difficult behaviour and how to manage it. If a placement is made in an emergency it can be difficult to provide a lot of information. However, we always try to obtain as much background information as we can.

How long will I have to wait for a placement after being approved to foster?

Once your assessment is completed and you are approved, you can begin taking placements immediately. All placements are made following a careful matching process, based on information obtained during your assessment. The more flexible you are, the easier it will be to place children with you.

 

Would a previous conviction prevent me from fostering?

A previous criminal conviction would not necessarily disqualify you from fostering; it would depend upon the nature of the conviction and when it occurred. It is very important, however, that you tell us everything as this will avoid unnecessary disappointment and a waste of your time. Any information shared with us would remain confidential at all times.

Can I still go out to work and be a foster carer?

People do often give up work when fostering children but you can maintain a job if there is a degree of flexibility. There is an expectation, for instance, that in the initial stages of the placement the main foster carer will be able to attend meetings with education and social services departments. This will require the main foster carer to be available during office hours.

Can a child placed with me share a bedroom with one of my own children?

Perpetual Fostering will only place a child in a home where they can have their own bedroom. However, if the foster placement involves siblings we would allow them to share if it were appropriate and in the best interest of the children.

What checks will be carried out on me if I apply to be a foster carer?

During the assessment period we will undertake a number of statutory checks to make sure you are fit and capable of fostering. These will include a medical and background checks with the police (CRB) and the local authority.