Age groups

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We are in the research stages as we consider whether we should apply to be foster carers. One question I need to ask concerns age groups. In short, who chooses?

I appreciate the final say sits with the Panel who approve you as carers for a certain age range. But how much say do you have? Are you expected to know what ages you would be best with? How do they decide?

In brief, we have no kids, but have experience with kids of all ages, both working with them and close family. I just don't know what we would be best at, what would suit us or what would be recommended? Is this ridiculous? Should we just know?!!

It goes on experience and family situations. Looking at what you have written I guess you go for 0-18 and figure it out placement at a time.

I have experience with 0-10 year old's. Hubby has experience with 10-18 year olds. But we have our own children that are 6 and 3. So have a preference of 0-4.

Our LA are now approving everyone for 0-18 but with a "stated preference" so you can let them know what you prefer. The SW told me this was because it's cheaper, but I also suspect it's so they can put the pressure on when they're in a fix! My DD is 13 so I have a preference for under 11s but I've still been asked to take a 15yo. If I wasn't approved for 15yos they wouldn't be able to ask as they'd have to go back to panel and it would cost them money.

The bottom line is you can always say no. You are asked about each placement and if you feel it doesn't fit then just say no. I am getting surprisingly good at that!

Sorry but in answer to your question - you choose. They might guide you, or persuade you to widen your range, but ultimately it's up to you. This doesn't apply if you have children at home, in which case you have to go at least 2 yrs younger, although I know plenty of FC who haven't always done this!

From our experience you would say the age range that you feel happy with. As part of your assessment your social worker will explore what experience you have, and whether you are being realistic, and, if you are, probably suggest to panel that you are approved for that range.

For example, for babies, have you thought about how you'll cope with interrupted sleep - ideally you'd have experience of looking after babies overnight, not just for a couple of hours during the day. (But hey, I had no experience with babies before I gave birth to one, and I coped okay.)

If you think you'd be suited to teenagers, are you basing that on having had well-behaved nieces and nephews to stay, or have you got what it takes to support a sexually active young teen who self harms, someone who is refusing to attend school, or who pushes every boundary and has a police record?

(You may well be suited to the whole range, but some people imagine it will be like looking after their kids' friends, or their friends' kids. In some cases it will, but a lot of looked after children have experiences that can give rise to challenging behaviours, and make them harder to 'parent'.)

The approval process is very thorough, and gives you a lot to think about. We had an intense 6 session course which two couples dropped out of after the first week. And lots of discussions with your social worker. At the end of that you should have a good idea of an age range.

We're approved for 0-18, but with a preference for primary aged children, as that tends to work best for our family. But each child is an individual, and we've said no to under 10s where we don't feel we can offer the support they need, and have successfully had teens for short periods.

Good Luck with it all. It is the hardest thing I have ever done, but I love it.

I had to go to panel for one year younger than my birth daughter, but we've had older and younger and are approved from 0 to 18 as others have said.

ultimately, its up to you. once they have you on their system they won't want to lose you so you call the shots.

In my LA, we get to choose. I also have no children, but have lots of experience working with 0-10 year olds so I've asked to be approved for 0-7 year olds.
I'm still going through the process of becoming a carer (should hopefully be done by May/June time), so if you have any questions on the process feel free to PM me :)

Thanks very much, everyone. That's really helpful and interesting.

We have no kids and no plans to gave any so there is no restriction in that sense. I appreciate the point regarding well-behaved nieces and nephews as we have a few of those on both sides and I can see how it would be unfair and unhelpful to base our expectations for foster children on them!

Thanks again.