Which LA to approach?

[Vicky13]

I've decided to go for it and make the call tomorrow. Final decision to make is which LA to call. I understand I don't necessarily need to contact my own LA. Is that right?

The reason I'm thinking of contacting a neighbouring one is that I live right on the edge of Derbyshire, just outside Greater Manchester. Basically the whole of Stockport, Tameside, Oldham and Manchester LAs are all more easily accessible than the far reaches of Derbyshire.

Anyone got any experience of any of these LAs? I've heard good things about Stockport from a friend who is a SW. Do you think they'd want a potential FC from outside their area?

Thanks

x

[scarlet5tyger]

Main areas to consider would, I think, be:

Pay - even if they're next to each other pay can vary greatly

Contact - the further away the LA is the further you'll have to travel for contact (and school, and meetings)

Age range you want to foster - eg some LAs don't need baby carers or respite carers while others are desperate for them.

I don't think there's anything to stop you contacting them all before making your decision though. Personally I think a national foster care register would iron out many of the current FC problems.

Good luck!

[redgate]

I have fostered for Stockport for 5 years and have a lot of support and couldn't fault them as a fostering service, the children's social workers also seem to be good too.