Fostering FAQ's
Here are some frequently asked questions
Do I need any Qualifications?
No formal qualifications are required and any adult can apply.
Do I have to be married?
You may be married, a single person or partners.
Is there an age limit to being a foster carers?
Legally the youngest you can be is 21 but due to the complex needs of children being placed with Compass it is unusual for us to consider anyone under the age of 25. This would depend on your personal and professional experience.
I am disabled can I foster?
This is a difficult question to answer as this will depend upon the nature of your disability and the type of fostering you wish to undertake. It would be easier to telephone us so that we could discuss this with you on an individual basis.
I have a holiday home can I foster?
Yes, you can still foster even if you have a holiday home. However it is important that consideration is given to the needs of the children that are placed with you, as they may not be able to go on regular breaks with you due to a number of possible reasons. Fostering will involve some changes to your lifestyle and it it important that you consider these. It may be useful to discuss this through with a social worker from Compass to assist you in your decision making.
My ageing parents stay with me on a regular basis can I foster?
Provided that you sufficient number of bedrooms then it is still possible for you to foster. The needs of your parents would need to be considered in the matching process, so that the child or young person placed can be included within family life and that all needs can be met
I have a driving offence can I foster?
Depends upon the driving offence. It would be difficult to foster if you currently have a driving ban, as this is a preferred skill. Carers are required not only to get children to school on a daily basis, but to attend a number of both child and carer related meetings and this could be difficult without personal transport.
For offences, other then those of a fixed penalty, Compass request twelve months period between sentence and application to foster. If you are not sure and wish to discuss this further, please telephone Compass and a social worker would be happy to discuss this with you.
Do I have to be able to drive and have a licence?
To have a full driving licence and vehicle insured for business use us preferred as carers are required to ensure childrens day to day travel needs are met and that they are available to attend meetings for children, training days and Compass group meetings.
I have pets can I foster?
Yes, foster carers can and do have pets. The safety of children in family's with animals must be carefully considered. The keeping of dangerous dogs included in the dangerous dogs act 1991 cannot be accepted with Compass foster placements. Caution will be taken when assessing households with animals as evidence will be required that the animal is under control and does not present high levels of risk. This information will need to be detailed in a separate report.
What kind of household insurance will I need?
It is the responsibility and key requirement that foster carers hold full household insurance which covers public liability.
Carers must also have full comprehensive car insurance that covers business use.
I receive benefits will they be affected if I foster?
It depends upon the benefits that you receive, and the area in which you live.
We would strongly recommend that you seek advice from a senior manager at your benefits office for clarification on this matter.
