Newbie questions

[peachey96]

I'm interested in becoming a foster carer, but got loads of questions and don't want to get in touch with specific agencies or LAs yet, so hoping someone here can help :) I'm 20, living with a partner and our 10 month old little boy in a two bedroom flat - he shares a room with us and will most likely continue to for the next year or so.

My quick googling says that the minimum age for foster caring is 18, but every agency I've looked at says 21 if not 25. Are there actually any who would consider us? Similar question re: spare bedroom. We are interested in fostering younger children, 0 - 2 ideally as that's the age my son is and we have toys/attend groups etc aimed at the age range. Would we be classed as having a spare bedroom whilst my son is sharing with us? I've read that you don't need a spare room if fostering under two's as they can share with you, if my son is in his own room, would a foster child be able to share with us? Again the agencies I've found from googling all seem to suggest you definitely need a spare room for each child!

Thank you, any answers are appreciated :)

[Cassimin]

In our agency you need a spare room as in most cases you have no idea when the child will actually leave. Short term has no time limit it is just when the child is ready to be moved on and they must be in their own room age 2.
I have heard there are not as many baby's coming into foster care as they are now placing them with families who have a view to adopt.
Not sure wether your age would be an issue as I have known of young carers.
It would probably be better to register with LA as their carers usually are offered babies first.
Personally I would enjoy the time you have with your own little one. Some babies coming into care have very complex needs and contact with birth parents can be every day so that means lots of appointments for you.

[peachey96]

Thank you for your answers :)
Sadly financially I won't be able to afford to stay at home with LO as we currently are - I saw an advert in a local magazine today about how they are looking for new foster carers and it reminded me of how much I've always wanted to do it, and then I saw the allowance for a child is similar to the maternity I'm on at the moment, and it seemed like it could be a good solution. Perhaps it will have to go on the back burner for a few more years until we've moved to a bigger house then :(

[wonderpants]

The other issue you would have is who would look after your DC whilst you are out at the appointments with a foster baby. With contact, medicals, meetings, you will probably find it is most days.
Don't give up on the dream, but I suspect now isn't the right time!
How about child minding?

[peachey96]

Yeah, I think you are probably right. Seeing the advert in the magazine just seemed like fate!

[fasparent]

Would contact your LA express your interest, know you may be young but not too young to do Training in preparation, Our young Adult's were trained
by LA in basic's, too help and understand our FC's. So is possible.
Lots of FC's are trained without placements, ourselves included been fostering now for over 38 years, perhaps its a way too success.

[peachey96]

Thank you, I hadn't considered that but it sounds like a good idea :)

[tia26]

Have you considered childminding? It is totally different from fostering but may be a solution so you can stay at home with your little one. I do fostering and childminding ATM- the fostering side does impact massively on your lifestyle/ family and friends so personally I would wait a bit longer! Good luck in whatever you decide x

[JacobMalloy02]

As a Registered Manager of an IFA, we would not take you on at this moment in time. Age is not a bar to fostering, so if you had the right experience we would consider some one who is 20. However, having just had your own baby I would suggest it is not the right time for you. We would also require a spare room for fostering as well and would need to consider the impact of your own child moving into this at some point. We also would not approve someone who only takes babies. These are offered to LA carers first generally, although we do place very young children.

[Twopots]

Most agencies and LAs also say they want at least 2 years between your children and the foster child. When you are looking into allowance esp if a LA remember that the money you receive will have to pay for the child's nappies, wipes, formula, play groups, clothes, food etc we usually are running at a loss!