Fostering LA or private agency?

[Rosiepooch]

Hi I'm looking for advice from any foster carers regarding whether to consider fostering through LA or private agency?
Its something iv considered doing for the past few years and now in a position to be able to offer a home to a young child.
My issue is our local authority hasn't got a great reputation and as far as I'm aware low funds... As much as they are always advertising for foster carers people I know that have gone through the system haven't had any placements.
I have over 10 years experience with children. With special needs and would consider fostering a special needs child.. Ideally I would like to foster a long term placemnet.
Although I'm aware LA pay more I do also hear that quite often they struggle to give u placements too unless you would have either older or particularly with a lot more challenges.
I am going to be contacting both private agencies and the LA also but would really appreciate any advice from people that may have personal experiences?
Many thanks😊😊😊

Hi There Rosiepooch,

Sadly we're no experts in this field but we wanted to jump in and give your thread a bump and welcome you to Mumsnet.

We hope some of our wise users will be along soon to give you their advice and support.

Good Luck on your Fostering journey

Placements come from LAs in the first place so their carers get considered first for any placements before it goes to Private agencies.

although some LAs pay more than Independent Fostering Agencies (IFA) it is usually the other way round. I am located right in the corner of a LA area so it made no sense at all to register with them as it restricted my catchment area enormously. Also my LA pay much much less. If you are looking to take very young children ie babies then my understanding is that LA is best. Support from LA is generally less due to greater caseload of their SW. Best thing is to meet with LA and a couple of IFAs and hear what they ahve to say..

Hi, check out UK Fostering website
ukfostering.org.uk/

My advice is to do your research. Also, don't be taken in by the myth that LAs will always go to their in-house carers first. They say that to try and attract people to foster for them. But in reality, as soon as a child is coming into care, local authorities are now sending referrals out to independent agencies at the same time as looking internally. They won't admit this, but I often visit a placements team and see it with my own eyes. There is such a shortage of foster carer and local authorities are realising that they have to compete with other LAs for IFA carers.