Wednesday, 20 August 2008
Fostering is a way of providing an alternative family life for children and young people who cannot live at home with their own family. This may be because a parent is unable to look after them for a period of time or, more seriously, because a child is in danger through neglect or abuse.
Doncaster Council is committed to providing a better start for these children and young people by delivering a fostering service that will make a positive difference to their lives, giving them the care and support they need to succeed. Foster carers are the key to delivering this commitment.
We understand that choosing to foster a child is not a decision that can be made easily. We hope that the information on this website will help you in your decision of whether to apply to foster a child or young person in need.
In order to meet the different needs of the children and young people that we look after, Doncaster runs different types of fostering, called 'schemes'. Each scheme requires different kinds of carers who can offer specific skills and experiences.
There are five schemes that the Doncaster Fostering Team offer in order to meet the various needs of the children that come into care. These schemes are:
Task Fostering (short term)
Permanent Fostering (long term)
Contract Fostering
Emergency Fostering
Respite Fostering
For more details please click on the following link: Types of Fostering
If you would like to discuss fostering further with a member of the Fostering Team you can contact us directly by calling 01302 737789.
Alternatively you can complete the form below and a member of the team will contact you.
Yes. There is no upper age limit. You have to think whether you have the energy to look after children. Older carers often have the experience of bringing up their own children that can be useful when fostering. You do have to be over 18 and have had experience of children to foster.
Yes, although you won’t be able to foster children under the age of 5 years. We would encourage you to stop smoking, for your own health and as a positive role model for any child you look after.
Yes. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all our carers. We are interested in assessing your ability to care or children not your sexuality.
Yes. It depends on the conviction, when it was committed and how you have lived since. People with serious offences against children will automatically be excluded. A Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check will be made on all applicants.
Yes. We welcome applications from people who live outside of the town. We are assessing people on their abilities, not where they live. You will have to decide whether it is practical to foster for Doncaster, as children may need regular contact with their parents, and you will be responsible for transporting them to and from this.
No. Undergoing fertility treatment can be a difficult and emotional time. Doncaster Fostering Team feels that this is not the best time to introduce a child into a home. If your treatment is unsuccessful then we will consider you twelve months after your last treatment cycle. All cases will be judged on an individual basis.
No. If you are pregnant, or have recently had a child we don’t think that it is suitable for you to foster at the present time.
Yes, single people can foster. An unmarried couple can also foster.
Yes, we approve carers regardless of their working or financial status, as long as you are able to provide a secure home. If you are at home you will be able to devote more time to the child.
Yes. As long as you have enough time to devote to meeting a child’s needs. You will need to be available during school holidays, unless you wish to become a respite carer.
Yes. You will need to show that you can care for a child in a safe and secure environment and have the physical space to accommodate a child (preferably in their own room). This is the same regardless of whether you own or rent your home.
Yes, as long as you have enough space in your home to look after a child. Your whole family will be included in your assessment, and your children will be consulted about what they think about fostering.
Once you express an interest in fostering, you enter a process that monitors your suitability to care for children. It is a long and, at times, intrusive process, but is necessary to ensure the safety and welfare of any child that is placed with you.
The whole process should take between 6-8 months
At any stage of this process you can terminate your interest in fostering with no pressures on you to continue. The Fostering Team may also feel that they are unable to proceed with your application and in this case would give you clear reasons for this decision.
These policies state the general principles that govern the actions of Doncaster Fostering. However, each case must be considered on its own merits with an acceptance that there may be the need for exceptions from the general policy in certain cases.
For more information on the full process please click on the following link: Process for approving Foster Carers
Foster Care Allowance Payments
All foster carers receive foster care allowances to cover the cost of food, clothing, travel and other day-to-day expenses. We also provide financial help towards holidays, birthdays and other festivities.
However, based on past experiences, the demands and challenges involved in caring for some children and young people require additional payments. In these circumstances additional payments can be paid.
for more information on allowances please click on the following link: Foster Care Allowance Payments
Bringing up any child can be difficult, but it can be even more challenging when you foster a child who may have had difficult and traumatic experiences in their past. Doncaster Council will provide you with a wide range of support, training and financial assistance to help you offer a high standard of care for the children you look after.
Social Workers and other Professionals
Foster Carers and Support Groups
Respite Care
Equipment
Financial
Training
Leisure Activities
For more details please click on the following link: Fostering Support
