Want to reapply to be a foster carer advice

[MrsBobDylan]

We applied to become FCs 3 years ago but were turned down (complicated circs but the gist is we have 3 dc, two of whom get DLA and SW was concerned about the impact on existing dc).

We were advised to give it a couple of years and reapply, which we are now ready to do.

Obviously our situation is still the same but we are a happy, strong family and I have tonnes of skills in medical care and challenging behaviour. I am currently studying to train as a child counsellor and have come a crappy childhood by engaging in many years of therapy.

We would like to offer respite care one weekend a month and in the school holidays.

Do you think we have a chance this time? I am resilient and can cope with the rejection but this is something I have wanted to do for years and would love to be approved.

you should def apply. No question. where in the country are you ? did you apply to a Local authority or an agency ?

100% apply

Quite often 2nd applications are successful

Definitely apply. Would you consider applying to a specialist agency? We foster with an agency that caters for children with additional needs. Your experience with your children would be seen as a positive not a barrier to them!

Thanks for the encouragement - I would definitely consider a specialist agency. I was so gutted last time but I understood why they rejected me. I work very part time at a secondary school as a TA with kids who need additional support. I really enjoy working with them and the challenges and rewards that brings. I am also more aware than ever of the potential difficulties and hardships which is why I thought I could provide respite for foster carers and build up my skills that way.

Thanks again for being so positive! Last question - can I start the application process now or have they stopped applications for lockdown?

We are Hertfordshire and we went through the LA last time. I'm off to google the agencies near me!

Fostering agencies and local authorities are still recruiting new foster families. Short breaks (respite) is a very valuable resource for existing foster carers, but one weekend a month isn't that flexible tbh. Which weekend? Will you decide when you are available or will you be open to this from your local authority/agency? Definitely get in touch with some providers, but be prepared for this question. It costs agencies between £5,000 - £8,000 to approve a foster carer - many will see this expense as too great for one weekend a month of short breaks. If short breaks if what you think will work best, I'd consider being open to at least 2 weekends a month and as you say, school holidays too. One of the benefits of short breaks is that they should (where possible) be planned in advance, so that should work in your favour if you are challenged on this. Good luck : )

NB. The term 'respite' isn't a great one. I work with young people in care and a young person we look after recently googled this term when he was told "his foster carers needed respite". Google it yourself and you'll see why short breaks is a much better term to use, and why this young person was so upset after reading the definition.

You could enquire about the Shared Care Team in Hertfordshire. shared care team info. Phone the recruitment team and they can advice you more.

now is the best possible time as - rightly or wrongly - fast-tracking for new foster carers is taking place due to an anticipated huge rise in referrals caused by pressures of lockdown.