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Faqs
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does Thurrock need more foster carers?
- Do you need special skills or qualifications to become a foster carer?
- What if I don't own my own home?
- How old are the children?
- How long do children stay with a foster carer?
- What training and support will I get?
- Will there be any contact with the child's family?
- Do I need to be married?
- Can I still work full-time?
- How long do children stay with a foster carer?
- Does fostering lead to adoption?
Why does Thurrock need more foster carers?
In order to continue providing vulnerable children and young people with the highest standards of care possible, we need to maintain a pool of foster carers from a range of backgrounds. It is vital for Thurrock children that new foster carers join us and become part of our service.
Do you need special skills or qualifications to become a foster carer?
No. Almost anyone can foster, as long as you are over 21, have room in your home, patience, understanding and the ability to care.
What if I don't own my own home?
You need to show that you have enough room to care for a child or children, in a safe and secure environment, whether you rent or own your own home. You also need to show that your tenure is secure and that you are not at risk of becoming homeless. If you rent your home then you will need the approval of your landlord before you can begin fostering.
How old are the children?
Children in need of foster care can be any age, from newborn babies to 18 year olds.
How long do children stay with a foster carer?
It can range from just a few hours up to several years, depending on the child's needs. Many children will return to their own families.
What training and support will I get?
You'll get full support and training from the very start. All foster carers have a supervising social worker to support them. There is a late night support-line and 24hr emergency cover. Foster Carers have also formed their own support groups. At Thurrock all Foster Carers become members of the Fostering Network, the national charity for foster care.
Will there be any contact with the child's family?
In most cases, yes. It's usually better for the child to stay in touch with their birth family.
Do I need to be married?
You can become a foster carer whether you are married, single, gay, a single parent, a grandparent, employed or unemployed. We are looking for foster carers from all ethnic groups, religions and cultures.
Can I still work full-time?
Foster carers need to provide the space and time to meet the children's needs. Children in foster care are vulnerable and they need consitency and stability until they are well settled and therefore they need a carer who can be with them on a regular basis and at important time like before and after school and during school holidays.
How long do children stay with a foster carer?
Children can be fostered for just a few hours or up to several years, depending on what is in the interests of the child. Many children will return to their own families.
Does fostering lead to adoption?
Sometimes foster care can lead to adoption, although it is primarily meant to provide temporary care to children. Fostering is not a shortcut or a quick route to adoption. If you are particularly interested in adoption, then please talk to our office and we will be happy to give you information about how you can adopt. We have a number of children who are waiting for adoptive families.
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