Fostering - Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why do children and young people need foster carers?

There are many different circumstances where a child or young person needs to be cared for by someone other than their family. Each circumstance is individual and unique to children, young people and their families.

Any family can find themselves in a crisis situation, for example through ill health or housing issues. Additionally, parents and family may be struggling to manage their own situation where they are experiencing difficulties such as addiction, domestic violence, and poor mental health for example.

Similarly, children and young people may have been experiencing trauma through abuse and neglect.

No matter the circumstances South Ayrshire Council approach these with a non-judgemental attitude with the safety and well-being of children and young people being of the greatest priority.
 

How much information will I receive about the child or young person before I care for them?

Approved foster carers for South Ayrshire Council are allocated their own supervising social worker. Similarly, children and young people who are open to South Ayrshire Council social work teams have their own worker. Both of whom will ensure you have all the relevant information required to support you to care for any child or young person you are welcoming into your home.

A safer caring plan and worry assessment (which identifies any potential concerns) would always be undertaken.

However, there may be some emergency circumstances where we have little information on children, young people, and their families, for example, who were unknown to us prior to them requiring foster care. In those circumstance we would support you in building up a picture of their needs together.

Do I have a choice in who I foster?

Yes.

South Ayrshire maintains a careful and considered matching process when identifying foster carers for children and young people who require to be cared for.

We have a duty to our foster carers and our children and young people to do all we can to ensure the fostering journey is a positive experience for everyone involved.

When approached about caring for a child or young person you will always have the opportunity to say no, especially if you feel you cannot meet their needs.

However, we also require emergency carers who are flexible both in terms of age and circumstances. These circumstances are short term in nature.

I already have a family - how is being a foster carer different to raising my own children?

Children and young people who need to live out with their family require particular care because they are likely to have experienced traumatic events. They may have additional support needs, such as, education or health and will require carers that can help them reach their potential.

Providing care for a child who is not your family member is different from caring from you own children as they will have a team around them including where possible their parents and family, who all take part in making plans and decisions with them. This is not something foster carers are expected to do independently, unlike their own children.

Are the child or young person's families involved in their care?

When you foster you are parenting on behalf of the child or young persons' own parent, family, or guardian. While parents do not have day-to-day care of the child or young person, they continue to hold parental rights and responsibilities and they will still have a say in some things.

You will often help the child or young person attend family time with their parents, brothers and sisters and extended family etc where safe to do so.

You will be working in partnership with the child or young person's social worker, family and others involved in planning their future.

What help and support is available to foster carers?

There is an extensive level of support offered to foster carers from our team. Every foster carer in South Ayrshire has an allocated supervising social worker who will visit your home frequently and provide support and formal supervision to support you to understand, build skills and navigate the complexities of caring for a child or young person.

South Ayrshire Council offer a significant volume of training opportunities for our foster carers and hold monthly information discussions on relevant topics to support you to build up skills and a fostering knowledge base.

We also run a monthly fostering support group where you can meet with other foster carers and share experiences and support.

Additionally, we hold a regular formal reviews for foster carers to ensure their registration is up to date and reflect what they can provide.

Are there qualifications in foster care?

There is an expectation foster cares will undertake core and mandatory training in terms of supporting them in their own development and in caring for children and young people.

Can I still become a foster carer if I'm on benefits?

Yes. Our team will offer you advice and guidance on this matter.

Will my benefits stop if I become a foster carer?

Your benefits could be affected as you will receive a payment per child or young person you care for. However, we can work with you to minimise the impact and make sure you're making the most of the benefits you are entitled to claim.

I have a criminal conviction; does this mean I won't be able to become a foster carer?

Not necessarily. This would be considered at your initial enquiry stage. However, should you have any criminal convictions in relation to any vulnerable group (children/young people or adults) this would preclude you from being considered.

Will I pay tax and National Insurance on the payments I receive?

You are required to register with the HMRC as self-employed, tax and National Insurance contributions will be calculated by HMRC.

Should you have any further queries please contact us:

Family Placement and Adoption Team
South Ayrshire Council
181 Whitletts Road
Ayr
KA8 0JQ

Tel: 01292 267675

Email: FPTA@south-ayrshire.gov.uk