Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Fostering

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on fostering.

Private Fostering/SGO - any other options?

9 replies

HurrahWuff · 18/04/2024 09:45

My DD has taken on care of a distant family member due to the person with SGO being in and out of hospital.
I've previously posted to ask for advice but have a few more details now so can be a bit more specific.
Initially it was supposed to be a part time /temporary basis but now seems to have evolved to full time/permanent.
Person with SGO was giving my DD some money towards his care (hence it being classed as 'private')
LA are involved and are happy for child to stay with DD and since SGO person has stopped paying my DD, LA have offered to cover some expenses/make discretionary payments as child is classed as a 'child in need'

My DD is really struggling. She doesn't have the funds to pay out for stuff and claim it back retrospectively. She is self employed and since taking on this child she is unable to work as much as she seems to be constantly attending meetings/running around after this child. (He is a teen with ADHD, constantly forgetting/losing stuff, doing stuff at school that requires school to call DD in for meetings etc)

LA have offered to pay for my DD to apply for an SGO and have offered no other options. So, my question is: are there any other options?
My thoughts would be to 'give him back' - he's not her problem. But she also has adhd herself and wants to make a difference for this child.
His closer family (of which none have stepped up to even bung her a tenner) aren't interested although none of them want him to go into 'the system'.
I'm so frustrated with the lack of help from them & the LA just keep saying they have offered options including the SGO but haven't mentioned anything apart from the SGO 🤬

OP posts:
HurrahWuff · 18/04/2024 14:13

Anyone? 🙏🏼

OP posts:
Ted27 · 19/04/2024 21:41

@HurrahWuff

Has she looked into benefits? Child benefit for a start. She should also look at DLA. If he was awarded DLA then she may also be entitled to tax credits

Ultimately though she needs to decide if this is what she wants her life to be. Does she want to parent him or is she being guilt tripped into it by the wider family.
The 'system' is not all bad. I'm FC to a very challenging 13 year old. I care very much about him and am doing my best for him. But I have chosen this as my job.
If he was in care outside of the family, it doesn't mean that they would never see him. Contact arrangements are possible.
Incidentally what are the other family members so keen to ensure that he doesn't go 'into the system' doing to help. Are they offering financial support, practical help ?

YomAsalYomBasal · 19/04/2024 22:29

She wouldn't be able to claim the child benefit though would she? The person with the SGO can claim it though and should be passing it on.
The LA can contribute more and your DD should ask. It will still be cheaper for them than a standard fostering arrangement.

Ted27 · 19/04/2024 22:58

@YomAsalYomBasal

I don't know - that's why she needs to look into at.
I can't claim CB because I'm a paid FC.
At the minute the LA seem to be paying her not much at all.

HurrahWuff · 20/04/2024 03:12

Thanks for the replies. Have filled out online forms for advice from kinship. Says someone will be in touch within 8-10 days but not heard back from them yet.
The LA say their department can't offer any further help financially.
The child already has 2 SGOs fail, am not sure that it will work this time. It's frustrating that the family aren't chipping in to help keep this kid out of the system.

OP posts:
Beetie1 · 20/04/2024 05:19

Social worker here. She would be able to claim benefits for him - child benefit, UC, etc. you don't need to have any orders or parental responsibility to do that - just be the main carer for the child. She will need a copy of his birth certificate (one can be ordered if needs be) and she may need a letter from social care confirming that he is in her care.

cakecoffeecakecoffee · 22/04/2024 16:18

Carers are entitled to have an assessment for a means tested SGO allowance as part of their SGO assessment.

The SGO assessment should not just be to see if the person is suitable, but also their opportunity to see if it is the right choice for them based on the info they are given.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page