Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any special qualifications?
No. Your “life experience” is considered your primary qualification. There are some mandatory training courses you will need to complete throughout your fostering journey, such as ‘Skills to Foster’, but this will be covered by At the Acorns.
Will I receive financial support?
Yes. Foster carers receive an allowance and professional fee. The allowance is intended to cover the cost of caring for the child (food, clothing, activities) and the professional fee is for the time, experience and skills of the foster carer.
Can I foster if I have pets?
Absolutely. Pets are often a great therapeutic additon for children. However, a “pet assessment” will be part of your application to ensure your animals are safe and well-behaved around new people.
How will fostering affect my family?
Fostering is a family decision. Your children will be involved in the assessment process. Many “birth children” find fostering incredibly rewarding, gaining sibling-like bonds. Extended family may be used as a support network so they also need to be on board.
Can I still go on holiday?
Yes! Ideally, any child comes with you (though you’ll need permission from the local authority). If that’s not possible, short break care can be arranged where the child stays with another approved foster carer. At the Acorns this may be our Hub Carers, Angie and Dave.
Can I foster if I don't drive?
Yes! Not driving isn’t an issue, as long as you have a plan for how to get a child to school, appointments, or any visits safely and on time. Some training will also be face to face but we can support you with attending.
Can I foster if I have a criminal conviction?
Minor, unrelated convictions may be overlooked. However, any convictions related to violent, sexual, or crimes against vulnerable groups will permanently disqualify you.
Can I foster if I smoke or vape?
Yes, but you will not generally be allowed to foster children under the age of 5.
How long will a child stay with me?
It depends on many things, mostly the circumstances of the child in your care. It may be that they only need to be with you for a short period of time but for some it’s much longer. You can decide what type of foster care arrangement works best for you.
Do foster carers have parental responsibility?
When a child becomes cared for by the local authority, the local authority shares parental responsibility with the birth parents. Foster carers look after children on behalf of the local authority. There will be certain things you have responsibilites for e.g. health appointments.
I have a disability, can I foster?
Having a disability won’t automatically stop you from becoming a foster carer. A medical assessment is carried out on all potential carers to determine an individual’s suitability to become a foster carer. This medical assessment is carried out by your own GP and paid for by At the Acorns.
Can I include a foster child in my faith and religion?
Promoting diversity and cultural awareness to a young person can be beneficial and enhance their understanding of the differences in society. It is important though, that the young person in question is willing and happy to be involved. Foster carers must not force their beliefs and practices onto a foster child who does not want them.