Two questions

[fivecandles]

Experienced foster carers could you tell me what the differences are between fostering for the Local Authority and through an agency. Do you get more support from one than another? Are children fostered through agencies likely to have more complex needs? Also how much training are you expected to attend? And is there any flexibility about when you can go to it?

Hi, I foster for an agency, they are really good in general. They offer loads of training (which you are expected to attend) because their emphasis is on theraputic care. The training is always within school hours though. However they do tend to have older children with more difficult behaviour. You get paid well accordingly though. I think local authority carers get 1st choice, then if there are no takers or a shortage in their area it goes out to agencies. I'm sure there are pros and cons for each!