Approved today for fostering

[cathycake]

Hello everyone - I've been reading this forum for what seems like an age.

After applying to foster in July , today I went to panel and have been approved.
I cant begin to explain how happy I am as its something I've wanted to do for many years and this year was the perfect time for me to start the ball rolling

I am a single carer with my own 3 children (2 at home ) and have been approved for 2 children aged 5-12 siblings :-) same sex or mixed

I have been a total bag of nerves since knowing panel date but this forum has provided me with some great info.

Wanted to say Hello to everybody and introduce myself and I know I'll post more once I get a placement (no doubt asking for advice )

Speak soon everyone x

[Catfriend]

Hi cathycake that's great news I hope you don't wait too long for a placement. I myself have just started the F1 form any tips you can give me would be great. Did it really only take 4 months???

[bonnieslilsister]

Well done Cathy, hope fostering suits you and your family. I am a single carer too. I love fostering children so much and hope to be doing it for years. Do you know you can claim tax credits?

[cathycake]

Thank you so much Im so pleased

Catfriend - Yes I did the skills to foster at the end of July and started the F1 within a week or 2. I think I was pretty lucky as I was fast tracked by the SSW.
The only tips I can think is to be totally yourself, warts and all and not to worry about what you say. If you have any niggles at all about something in your past be upfront.... They dont judge you they just build up a picture of you, your childhood, your values, etc. They talk to your children. There is no wrong and right answers. My SW was awesome and so it was very easy to talk to her, I know it sounds so daft but I didnt even realise we were doing the form until weeks later as I so enjoyed the process of her coming for a chat. People had said it was awful etc but I loved it. Im so open anyway so it was easy to open up... I guess because I never talk about my past, my childhood etc I found it quite good to talk to someone who wanted to know.

You may want to start thinking of your references now and also it may save time if you list all your addresses and jobs you have had etc ready. Your birth certs, passports etc keep everything at hand in a file so you have everything together...oh and I had to get a copy of my divorce certificate too

Panel was nothing like I thought it would be...I built myself up to a panic at the thought of me facing so many people....remember these people are all in the caring profession so are not intimidating, stern etc ...they were all lovely people and within 30 seconds of entering the room I was totally at ease with them all

Bonnieslilsister - How many FC do you have? How long have you been doing it? My nerves/excitement have now started waiting for my first placement! Re tax credits? Thats for your own children?

xxx

[bonnieslilsister]

Two bc and two fc
Yes the child tax credits for your own bc and working tax credits cos you are fostering. Makes a huge difference

Good luck with your first placement. Make the most of the peace and quiet now Let us know how you get on.

[cathycake]

thanks bonnieslilsister

its great to know all the info. Im bursting with so many questions I just know Im going to nag

[bonnieslilsister]

Ask away