Frequently asked questions
Q. Can I foster as a single person?
A. Yes.
Q. I have no parenting experience. Does this matter?
A. Yes, it matters but it doesn’t stop you fostering. There may be a need to gain some experience with caring for children by doing voluntary work or the equivalent, but many non-parents foster children.
Q. I have a criminal conviction – does this prevent me fostering?
A. Not necessarily. Many people who have made mistakes in their youth go on to become very understanding parents. We would however, need to discuss the offences with you. Violent or sexual offences, unless committed at a very young age, will exclude you.
Q. I have diabetes, is that a problem?
A. Not necessarily. All medical issues (including mental health) are considered by an independent medical advisor who will advise as to whether the condition affects suitability or not.
Q. What age limits apply?
A. You have to be at least 21 years old and although we have no specific upper age limit we will consider your age against the age of child you could care for. As a rough guide a maximum of 40 years between your age and the child’s age is likely to be acceptable.
Q. I have heard that being overweight can be a problem. Is this true?
A. Only if your weight impacts on your mobility or long-term health.
Q. Do I need a spare bedroom?
A. Usually you do. If space is a problem we can discuss options.
Q. Can ordinary families foster?
A. Absolutely! But families who think about fostering are extraordinary just because they are considering going that extra mile for a child or children. Rich, poor or middle-of-the-road – what matters is your interest in children.
Q. How will fostering affect my children?
A. Only you can really judge this. They will be affected and we would include them in any assessment.
Q. Do you have to contact my ex-partner?
A. Usually we do but in certain circumstances we can dispense with this. We would discuss any concerns you have and not take any action without your permission.
Q. What is the Khandan Initiative?
A. Since 1994 Barnardo’s Family Placement Services has been committed to developing services for children from ethnic minorities. The Khandan (meaning family) Initiative continues to develop and focuses on recruiting foster parents for black and ethnic minority children that reflect their religious and cultural origins.
If you are interested in further information we can provide interpretation services if helpful and will do our best to meet your particular needs.
Q. Do you have psychotherapy services available?
A. Our staff team includes a qualified Child Psychotherapist. Child psychotherapy aims to help children with serious emotional difficulties by offering them the skilled help of a trained therapist. If you would like to get more information regarding this service ask for our leaflet.
Q. Do foster carers get paid?
A. Barnardo’s Family Placement Services have a payment for skills scheme for foster carers, which means that you can be a Level I, Level II, or Level III carer depending on your experience, knowledge and skills. Most carers new to Barnardo’s start on Level I and can apply for Level II after three years experience (provided certain other conditions, such as attendance at training, have been met). For Level III you need five years experience and a qualification.
The fees paid at each Level are for each child in placement. Most carers will have only one foster child living with them but some may have sibling groups or take a second placement.
In addition you will receive a maintenance allowance for each child’s keep, known as a Boarding Out Allowance. This increases as a child gets older and usually covers food, clothing, household expenses, pocket money, bus/travel fares, holidays and birthday/Christmas gifts.
Q. What about tax?
A. Foster Carers are classed as self-employed by the Inland Revenue and will need to complete an annual self-assessment tax return. Tax is due on the fee element of your income but not the Boarding Out Allowance. This system is under review by the Inland Revenue with a view to making it simpler and more equitable.
Q. What about expenses?
A. Barnardo’s pay carers a mileage allowance or public transport costs for travel to training, support groups and specific meetings. If carers transport children in placement to contact visits or respite, travel expenses are also claimable. Normal everyday travel such as school visits, doctor appointments etc. are not claimable.
Q. What about insurance and damages?
A. All foster carers must have adequate house, buildings and contents insurance and comprehensive insurance for their cars. You must inform your insurers of your intention to foster. This usually makes no difference to the cost of insurance but, if you are faced with an increased premium, Barnardo’s will pay the difference.
Fostered children, just like lots of youngsters, can be careless with possessions and may sometimes deliberately cause damage. Carers are asked to claim via their insurers for any damage incurred but, if a claim is reasonably turned down, Barnardo’s will try to obtain compensation for you.
Q. Can I go out to work?
A. Being a foster carer with Barnardo’s Family Placement Services is really a full-time job. Some carers manage part-time work once a child is well-settled in the family but if you have more than one placement, a carer must be based at home full-time.
Q. What about benefits?
A. Many benefits are affected by the income you would receive as a carer but not all. Because this is a changing situation we ask all applicants to check with DSS or relevant agencies directly about how benefits received may be affected. We can also advise on general issues regarding benefits.
Q. How am I paid?
A. Monthly in advance directly into your bank account. We do not pay a retainer fee, which means that between placements you may experience a drop in income. Carers are strongly advised to bear this in mind when taking on financial commitments. When a child moves on in a planned way his/her carers will receive four weeks final fee from Barnardo’s.
Q. What about pensions and sick pay?
A. There is no Employer’s Pension Scheme available to our foster carers but it is recommended that you consider arranging a private pension plan. Usually income is not affected by sickness unless this is very prolonged.
Q. Who can I talk to about money matters and conditions of service?
A. Your Barnardo’s social worker can help with everyday queries and advice. Policy matters can be raised with the Children’s services manager at Family Placement Services. In addition many carers join wider organisations like Fostering Network (formerly NFCA), which promote the interests of fostering and foster carers on a nation-wide basis.
