Frequently Asked Questions About Foster Caring
Here are some of the questions that we are often asked by people considering fostering for the first time with Kaleidoscope.
Are there any age limits for becoming a foster carer?
There is no legal limit, but generally for full-time carers we would be looking at people between the ages of 25 and 65, at the time of application. However, if you are interested in providing respite care, you may be older or younger than this. Please check with us.
We live quite a distance from your office, is that a problem?
We currently have an office in Kent, and carers do need to be reasonably near, in order to attend regular meetings, training and support groups, and bring a fostered child for therapy etc. However we may be opening offices in other areas in the future, or, we may suggest an agency in your local area. So please let us know if you are interested, and we will contact you to let you know the up to date situation.
What sort of training and support do you offer?
Lots! All potential carers attend a 2-day training course, called "Skills to Foster", at the start of their assessment, which provides lots of information about fostering, and what to expect, and helps you to develop your skills. We also have regular training and support groups as well as events for all the family, such as Fun Days, barbecues and an annual Easter Egg Hunt. In addition, you have a 24-hour support service that operates 365 days a year, and you can always ring for help and advice at any hour! If needed, a social worker will come out to support you at any time, although many carers find that telephone contact provides them with the right level of support, to help them to manage situations. Our carers are a very friendly group, and most carers find that they gain a lot of practical help and support (and friendship) from other carers.
How much do we get paid?
Weekly fees currently start from £399 a week for each child increasing as you achieve qualifications and stay with Kaleidoscope, plus an annual bonus of £1,000. This fee includes the maintenance for the young person you are fostering – that is, all the expenses you would have in bringing up a child of your own. There are also holiday, Christmas and birthday allowances. We encourage carers to gain additional qualifications (e.g. NVQ3) and there are additional fees paid for this, and other aspects of your career development. Currently, fees can rise to £500 a week, through our Career Structure. Remember, fees you earn through fostering are generally completely free of tax for the first child, with a small amount payable if you foster more than one child.
We are in rented accommodation, does that matter?
Not at all! However, you will need your landlord's permission to foster, but this has never been a problem. We do take up financial checks with your mortgage company or landlord, to ensure that any child placed is coming to a secure environment.
My partner has a criminal record, will that affect our application?
It depends on the conviction! Certain offences bar people from working with children, for obvious reasons. These include (naturally) offences against children. Much else would depend on the severity of the offence, how long ago it was and whether there is a repeat pattern of offences. A decision would be made in each case, if necessary seeking guidance from our regulatory body, Ofsted, and from our independent Panel. All potential carers' records are checked with the Criminal Records Bureau, when you, and we, decide to proceed, and there are no "spent convictions" in this work. If you want to discuss any issues, before proceeding to apply, please telephone and ask to speak to Elaine or Angela
I am a single father with a full-time job, will you still consider me as a foster carer?
There are no problems with being a single, male carer, and we currently have both male and female single carers providing excellent foster care. However, fostering is a full-time occupation, so you would need to make a decision about whether you wanted to stay in employment, and provide respite care, or become a full-time carer, once approved. We will be happy to discuss this with you before you make a decision.