Foster with a local authority or IFA?

[lovenotwar149]

Hi everyone! I'm doing my research as I'm currently looking into becoming a Foster Carer. So many independent agencies out there...quite overwhelming. I also spoke to my local council today. Is it better to go with your local authority or an IFA? Any comments would be very appreciated :)

What age group do you want to foster?

3-7 year olds

Generally for younger children you are better off with the LA, they always look in-house before going to IFAs. I have heard it said that the support in IFAs is better but I have found my LA have been wonderful (my partner was recently diagnosed with cancer, we have two babies with us and the LA have moved heaven and earth to support us).

ok thanks , very helpful :)

I think the best thing is to talk to as many places as possible and not feel rushed or pressured into making a quick decision.

It will vary in different places, but for example in my area there are many, many young children in that age bracket being referred to IFAs and not many older children at all. We also see a huge number of sibling groups being referred.

I’d make a list of things that you’d like to know, so you get the info you need to make a decision.... they will be trying to “sell” themselves to you.

Things to consider:
Rates of pay?
How many households their social workers are allocated each (low number each is likely to mean better support, though it’s no guarantee)?
Do they enable carers to have respite?
What tier are they in terms of LA seeking placements?
Do they allow carers to work or not?
What is their training package like? Maybe ask to see their training schedule to see what they offer.
What support do they offer their carers (support workers, clinical therapists, support groups, buddy/mentor system etc)?
Do they have a high turnover of carers and/or staff?

Wow...lots of interesting questions. Very helpful, thank you :)

A huge factor for us was our location right on the edge of a LA in fact in a corner so had 3 LAs very close. You can only register with one body. Thus our catchment area was very limited with a LA so we went with an IFA. We were offerred placements from all 3 close by LAs (through the IFA) and indeed many others.So being with an IFA has given us a much wider choice to select placements that suit us. In addition our LA has been in special measures from their OFSTED inspections and during our IFA training we met a couple who were leaving the LA after several years with them because support6 had ben so bad. I am not anti LA. Recently met up with two fostering couples in Sefton who are very happy. with their LA. My advice woould be to chat to your LA and a couple of IFAs and see who you feel most comfortable with. Wherabouts in the country are you ?

Ok thanks that is very helpful too. I am based in London

Hi

We work for a agency and you tend to get more complex children or older children in my experience. It will really depend on what age you want to foster , if younger you’re best off with your LA . There really is pros and cons to both x

Sndrsnms Sat 07-Nov-20 08:54:04
Hi

We work for a agency and you tend to get more complex children or older children in my experience. It will really depend on what age you want to foster , if younger you’re best off with your LA . There really is pros and cons to both x

I work for an agency and am based outside of LOndon but inside m25. We have had 10 children in all none with complex needs. 3 of them were under 5 and only two at secondary school age (12 and 13) so there is clearly no set rule.

ok thanks for that!