wanting to Foster

[Bluedolphin1971]

Hello,

I have been thinking about fostering for a long time now and have decided I should go for it. My husband and my 2 boys are 100% behind me on this.

I'm just wondering if someone can give me some advice as to what kind of questions we will be asked, as I've heard they can be quite intrusive?

I am very excited about (hopefully) being accepted to being a foster mum and helping children find their way in the world, but I do have a bit of a worry.
Last year, I had to go to the doctor for depression, and was put on anti depressents. I have just recently come off the medication and I'm more positive about me than I ever have been.
I can honestly say me being depressed didnt affect my boys (aged 15 and 8) a all. I have 2 happy, healthy cheeky boys. I have so much love, time and patience to give to children, but will me being depressed prevent me from becoming a foster mum?

many thanks x

[Bluedolphin1971]

I've been reading through other threads and have found out some of the questions they will answer.

Can someone give me more information about the financial questions they will answer? The reason I ask is because I currently have an overdraft will this be a problem? I'm only working part time so my wage isn't a huge amount of a loss.

[scarlet5tyger]

Hi Bluedolphin, I was treated for anxiety a couple of years before I began fostering and it didn't affect my application. Just be upfront and honest about it.

My assessment was a fair few years ago now but I seem to remember my assessing social worker knew very little about my own financial questions, I think they imagine foster carers are paid much more than we actually are though! If you're applying for a local authority though then the fees and allowances they pay should be available on line. I doubt an overdraft would be a problem, most people have them.

I'd also contact your local benefits agency to see if you're entitled to any benefits or tax credits.

Good luck, I hope all goes well.

[Bluedolphin1971]

Thank you so much for replying Scarlet, I really appreciate it.

I wasn't going to go with LA. I called them was put through to who I think was a Social Worker who was quite abrupt and rude to me, and I really did feel as if I was bothering her! she was huffing and sighing when I was asking her questions and eventually she cut me off short said "look I will send out the information pack" which im still waiting on and ice been waiting for 2 weeks! So I kind of thought if that's what they are like now, what kind of support are the offering to foster parents? My DH and I have friends who foster, but they use an IFA so I called them, they were really helpful, sent me through an information pack and I'm going to an open evening in a few weeks.

I'm so excited about this. Another thing I was concerned about especially when I read that they ask about your childhood, my mum and dad were alcoholics, well I say were, my mum left my dad about 13 years ago and stopped drinking and doesn't drink now, but my dad is still an alcoholic and lives in a filthy disgusting house. I hated my childhood (and think this is where my depression stems from, as I have insecurities and like self esteem), and I know it's because of their drinking.
I still see my mum and dad love them to bits and have only really realised that my dad especially as an "illness" he isn't a bad person he loves me I know this, he just loves drink more. Will this be a hurdle because I still see my dad?
When he's off the drink and he does clean his home I go and see him and take my own kids to see him, but when he's drinking I don't go near?

[Bluedolphin1971]

Sorry above show say low self esteem, my fingers aren't working tonight lol