WANT TO FOSTER BABIES - ANY ADVICE AND HOW DO WE GO ABOUT IT?

[claireh11]

Hi couldnt find a whole section on fostering so though this adoption section would be a good place to start.

We are looking into fostering babies and are very serious about taking it further.

I have filled out a couple of forms online and have printed off a form from the NFA to complete and send back to them.

Does anyone have any advice please, all gratefully appreciated.

TIA

Hi there, apologies as I've only just seen this thread/query. My husband and I are foster carers of 19 years standing and after years of fostering ages from babies to 11 year olds made the decision a couple of years ago to limit our age group to newborns only. It is a decision I wish we had made long ago. I dont know what info/advice I could give you but would be happy to give it a go. You can email me if you would like to.

[email protected]

You can apply direct to your own or another borough Social Services Department who all have their own Fostering and Adoption Section. You could also try charities e.g. Barnados. You will normally have 3/6 months of assessment, both you, partner and family to see how you could all cope with another member of the family. At the same time you will be asked to attend training courses and then finally you and any other adult who lives with you will be CRB (Criminal Record Check).
When my dd went off to University we fostered. You will need loads of energy and a relative thick skin. If you are successful fostering make sure you get all the information possible on the baby/child you are looking after as most social workers are overworked and overstretched and only too pleased to place a child safely but forget to sometimes tell you important info.
Good luck.