To think I may be eligable to foster my cousins?

[pinkdolly]

Here is the situation. I will try and be brief.

My uncle was put in prison a couple of months ago. His wife (who really never had much interest in the children aged 1 and 3) abandoned the girls more or less right away.

They are currently in care in Wales.

I live in Cornwall.

No other family member has yet come forward to care for these girls and after much considering and heart break I really feel that I need to try and do all I can for them. My dh is supporting me through this.

There are things to condsider, firstly the fact that I have never met these girls.

Secondly how far away we are from them. Though I must say the rest of their family is down here near to us.

Third is the fact that I have 4 children of my own, ages 8 in june, 7 in august, 4 in july and 1 in 2 weeks. So my two youngest are the same ages as these girls.

Does anyone know whether I would even be considered. I know what a massive undertaking this is and have thought about it a lot. But they are my family and I have to do what I can for them.

Any advice would be great. I am speaking with their social worker tomorrow to find out more.

thanx

I dont really have any advise, but i think you are doing the right thing in speaking to the social worker, What a great thing you are doing and i wish you lots of luck.

I think the authorities have to give due consideration to family and close family friends.

You have children of your own so clearly know what to expect and can show a stable family environment. Your dh is supporting you and as long as neither of you has criminal records then to be honest, I can't think of a reason why they wouldn't consider you.

Also, when their dad comes out of prison and is able to care for them again, you'll be able to remain in touch because you are family, providing the children with a bit of continuity, and him with a bit of support.

Plus you're not that far away. Where is he in prison? Would you be able to take them to see him?

And I agree with mo3g, you are doing the really kind decent thing.

Yes KJ is right I'm sure they will considor you. Good luck

thankyou, he is in bridgend. I just wasnt sure if they would consider me as my youngest are so youn.

Thankyou- to be totally honest. My uncle moved to Wales before the children were born and as they are so young they have not met anyone down here yet.

With regards to school- my 2 oldest are home-schooled but my youngest goes to a lovely nursery round the corner.

As to the playgroup I am the leader of our playgroup. It is in our church.
So as well as my own family supporting me we have a whole host of our church-family also.

And I do love children and feel I could easily love these girls as my own.

Hi, I work in this field and can say that the authorities and the Courts will always try and keep the children within the family or with friends wherever it is possible to do so. They would have to have a very good reason not to. Speak with the Social Worker and ask to be assessed as a family/friend carer. They will carry out police and other checks in the same way they would for other foster carers. If you get approved, you should be able to get financial assistance to help support the children.

You do sound like you have a lot of positives going for you - good luck !

I dont have any advice but you are trying to do a wonderful thing for those little ones

I've no experience or advice, but just wanted to wish you lots of goodwill for this, it sounds like you've really got the best interests of the children at heart and I'm sure it will be far better for them to move into a stable home with family.

Yes you can ask to be considered and they will assess you; you are likely to be given some thought as you are family.

Good luck, it sounds like these LOs could do a lot worse than you.

BTW you may find being further away goes in your favour if they want the children completely removed from any possible problems in the area. Fresh new start and all that.

The LA I work for has placed bilingual children abroad in order to keep them in the family.

there is a adoption an foster forum pop over there for more in debt advice

Thanx, yes I didnt realise I have posted there now also. Bit quieter over there tho.

Thank you all for being so positive, I wasn't sure how people would react to me trying to foster when i already had 4 of my own.

I am really encouraged by you all.