Fostering

We need foster carers in Bracknell Forest

‘Fostering has enriched our lives as we are very proud and happy people knowing we have done something to help others... The way to sum up all the hard work is in one word – REWARDING - when you hear how well (your previous foster placements) are doing, and when they come back years later to drop off a birthday card, anniversary card or pack of sweets for my son – or just to say thank you. That makes it all worth it. Good luck’.- Jock and Nina, Bracknell Forest foster carers

What is fostering?
Fostering is simply a way of providing a home for a child or young person who, for any number of reasons, cannot live with their family. This is intended to be temporary, with a view to returning them to their family, but is not always the case.

What is involved?
There are several different types of fostering, ranging from a short stay of one or two nights (often called ‘respite’ or short break care) up to several years for a long term placement. We are especially short of carers for teenagers and also for children or teenagers with disabilities and learning difficulties. Looking after teenagers can be a daunting prospect for some, but as Sally, another of our carers explains, it can be very positive:

‘Having had just one teenage girl for just three months, my husband and I were so pleased to feel that we had ‘reached’ her by the time she left. We now keep in regular contact with her and her family…My experiences as a foster carer have been enjoyable and rewarding – I encourage everyone to consider fostering’.

What should I do first?
Please do get in touch if you would like an information leaflet to look through.

What do I do next?
It’s a good idea to attend one of our open evenings to find out more about fostering and also speak to other people interested in fostering, to share your concerns and questions with them. Details can be found in the Events and Activities section. After attending an open evening the process can take around 6 months depending on the schedule of training.

Following that, you would have an Initial Visit from one of our social workers to assess your circumstances and requirements. You may then be invited to attend a Preparation Group training course of four days (spread out) where you have the opportunity to look in depth at various aspects of the fostering role. This is followed by the preparation of the Home Study report. A social worker will visit you over a period of months to work with you to complete a detailed assessment of your individual circumstances. This process is a two way opportunity for you and us to consider in depth your motivation and capacity to foster.

The final part of the process is for all the reports about you to be considered by the Joint Fostering Panel who make a recommendation to the Chief Officer of Children’s Services for a final decision.

As you can see there are a number of steps involved but your dedicated social worker will give help and support every step of the way.

For an initial discussion with one of our social workers, please contact the Family Placement Team.

What do you need to be a foster carer?
Anyone from the age of 21 can apply to be a carer, regardless of marital status, gender, age, sexual orientation, race or religion.

Many of the everyday qualities that many people have are ideally suited for becoming a foster carer, such as:

Good listener
Patience and understanding
Good sense of humour
Flexible attitude
The ability to be caring and warm, and yet also show discipline and set boundaries
Commitment and support to ensure the child attends school and has other life chances

There are some circumstances under which you may not be suitable to foster see Who Cannot be Considered as a Foster Carer? for more information.

You will also need:

A spare room
Space in your life to take on this new commitment
Ideally a good network of family and friends who can support you
Realistic expectations about the kind of children that are likely to be placed with you, as many of them will have had difficult and sometimes traumatic experiences, and will need a lot of understanding and patience from you to help them work through their feelings and experiences
The ability to work with professionals to support the child’s development and welfare, including social workers, teachers, medical staff and education support staff

What do we offer in return?

Excellent support throughout the training and assessment process, and beyond
Paid breaks from fostering
A leisure card that awards carers, their own children and fostered children, with free access to a range of leisure activities throughout the Borough
Financial allowances, with extra allowance for training and NVQs gained
Support from our Foster Carers’ Association that meets regularly
Regular social events for carers and children
Out-of-hours and emergency support by phone
An allocated family placement team social worker
A comprehensive training and development programme, including the chance to work towards an NVQ
Free membership of The Fostering Network - a national charity which champions foster carers and professionals and provides legal support to carers

How about my existing children?
Our son has shared his home, mum, dad and toys and I believe this has made him a kinder, more protective child growing up knowing that not every child is as fortunate as himself’ – Jock, Bracknell Forest foster carer

It won’t be easy for any children already in the home, having to welcome a stranger in to the home, and share both your attention, and possibly share things with them. But fostering can make a hugely positive difference to children within a fostering household, including making them appreciate the start in life that they have had. It is not at all uncommon for people who grow up in a fostering household to go on to become foster carers themselves.

So why not get in touch and find out more?