Fostering and working full time.

[GravityOfJoy]

Is it possible to foster a school age child and continue to work full time? My dp and I both want to continue to work, however my job is very flexible in terms of the hours I work and I am frequently able to work from home. We're just starting to think about fostering, but I wasn't sure if we'd be ruled out straight away?

I've never heard of an LA or IFA who would consider you unless one carer was home full time (or at least part time). The children we have fostered have always been school age, but we still have to be available during every day for meetings, training or if they are not in school for sickness, suspended etc.

The norm is for one carer to be at home full time but i know people that do work. The main thing i think is when placements team were looking to place and they had you and another couple up the road they may chose the other couple if someone is home full time.

Older children will have contact you need to facilitate and all the meetings and also the statutory training each week. But all of this would be discussed in your first interview so don't let it hold you back from applying.

I only do 0-4 so need to be at home anyway but for example this week she has two contacts and a medical and LO's social worker coming for 4 weekly supervision and next week, two contacts a meeting and i also have to meet up with a LO i moved onto adoption last month and i have my social worker over doing my 4 weekly supervision. Busy busy

I know a few carers in our la who work full time as well as doing long term placement. Each area seems to have different rules I would have a chat with your local team x