Frequently asked questions

Q. How do we express our interest in becoming a foster carer?

A. You can contact the project by phone, fax, email or post. We need a few details from you, such as name, address, etc, and then we will send out an information pack for you to look through. Included in the pack is a form for you to fill in and return to us, we will then arrange an informal meeting with one of our social workers.

Q. How long does the application take?

A. We aim to achieve the process, from receipt of your application, to the report to panel, within approximately 6 months. During that time a social worker will visit you regularly to get to know you, to find out what you feel you can offer and to discuss the implications for you and your family.

Q. What is a panel?

A. A panel of people is put together, made up of independent members, Barnardo’s employees, a Barnardo’s manager, a Barnardo’s Assistant Director and an existing foster carer. They will get together to review your application.

Q. What happens during these meetings?

A. The panel members will read and review the report put together by your social worker. They will identify any issues, and discuss with your social worker. During the meeting a decision will be made as to whether to approve you as being suitable to become a foster carer for our project.

Q. Can I attend the meeting?

A. You will be invited to attend the meeting with your social worker. An invitation will be sent to you approximately one week beforehand.

Q. Do we have to be married to be considered?

A. No, applications will be considered from single, couples living together, as well as married couples

Q. Which local authorities do you work with?

A. We work with seven local authorities in the East Midlands region. These authorities are Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire.

Q. Will there be any training opportunities?

A. Yes, you will have access to high quality training and support, both before and after approval, there is also the opportunity to meet other project carers. If you wish, once approved there is an opportunity to gain the NVQ3 qualification in Caring for Children and Young People.

Q. How much are project foster carers paid?

A. Our foster carers are paid a professional fee for their services, together with a ‘boarding out’ allowance which is the cost of looking after and caring for the child. As your skills and competencies improve through the training and support we offer and as your experience grows, the professional part of the payment will increase accordingly.

Currently all carers are paid between £280 - £380 per week per child, but the figure does change annually to take inflation into account.

Q. Who are the children?

A. The children who need carers are often abused or neglected and frequently include brothers and sisters who need to stay together. For some children the change is easy going, for others it can be unsettling and some may have trouble adjusting.

Q. What is the age range of the children?

A. The children are mainly between 8 – 14 years of age.

Q. As a short break carer, what would I be offering?

A. We recruit short break carers to offer full-time carers a chance to rest and recharge their batteries. To offer children and young people a change of environment and different life experiences.

Q. Is the process of applying the same for short break carers?

A. Yes it is. See question 1, or visit the contact us page to speak to us direct for more information.