Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply to be a foster carer?

Anyone provided you are between the age of 25 years and 65 years of age. In all cases, prospective carers should be able to meet all the requirements of the fostering task. Anchor Foster care welcomes people from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds to join their team of foster carers

2. Would previous convictions prevent someone from fostering?

A previous criminal conviction would not necessarily disqualify you from fostering; it would depend upon the nature of the conviction and when it occurred. It is standard for us to check police records at an early stage in the application process so we would need you to discuss any convictions with us as soon as possible so that we could decide how a conviction might affect your application. This information would remain confidential at all times.

3. What is the difference between fostering with an Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) or with a Local Authority?

Local Authorities are ultimately responsible for the wellbeing of all children in public care. They need to find the best way of looking after these children to make sure that they receive the best possible standard of care.

IFAs such as Anchor Foster Care services provide a fostering service to Local Authorities and we work in partnership with them. We have our own foster carers, social workers, therapists and education staff who work hard to ensure that the needs of the carers and children are met to high standards

4. What sort of checks are carried out on me and my home?

As part of the assessment process we carry out a criminal records check, as well as checks with the Local Authority, the Health Service, the Education Department and a register which lists those prevented from working with children. We would also need to carry out a standard safety check on your home.

5. Can a foster child share a bedroom with one of my own children?

No, every child should have their own room. Exceptions may be made in liaison  with the Local Authority but this not common.

6. Can I still go out to work and be a foster carer?

Anchor requires one foster carer to be at home on a full time basis, available to the child if needed. There is also an expectation that attendance at training and support group will be part of the role of a carer. This means that foster carers must make time to attend training.

7. If I am going to be the main foster carer, do you need to carry out checks on my   partner?

We regard all couples living together as partners in the fostering process so we would require that you both have the necessary checks and training and that both take part in the assessment process. Even if you are the main carer, anyone sharing your home will have some involvement in and influence on the fostering task. We will also need to carry out checks on all adult members of the household.

8. Can I choose how long I want children and young people to stay with me?

As part of the assessment process, social workers will discuss with you the different types of fostering and help you to decide which types of placement would suit you best. However, you do need to be aware that it isn’t always possible to know at the beginning of a placement exactly when a child will move on.

9. How much will I know about the child/young person before they are placed with me?

We discuss every placement with our carers and it is your decision as to whether to take a young person. We will provide you with as much information as possible about the young person and their background, including any difficult behaviour, contact with birth families and plans for the child or young person where known

You do need to be aware that sometimes we have very little information, especially in an emergency. We would always, however, seek to find out quickly as much information as possible.

10. Who is responsible for taking the children to school and to the doctor etc?

We would normally expect carers to undertake these tasks. Occasionally, if you have a particular problem, Anchor would endeavour to make alternative arrangements to support you

11. What sort of help would I get with a child who has special needs or a disability?

If a child has on-going medical needs, this will be explained to you before the placement is made and you will receive training and information on an assessment of both the child’s and your needs.

12. How is my weekly allowance decided?

Anchor has standard allowances for under 11's, over 11's and Parent & Child placements. However this may be different in cases where the placement is not classed as standard, and in such cases the allowance is agreed with you first

13. What does the fee/allowance cover?

Your weekly allowance for each child fostered is intended to cover living costs such as food, clothes, basic travel, pocket money and savings for the child or young person. A more detailed breakdown of this is contained within Anchor's carer's handbook.

14. Will I be taxed on this income?

Our carers work on a 'self employed' basis. Foster carers receive very favourable tax treatment on income derived solely from fostering.

Under a new tax relief introduced in 2003, foster carers whose gross receipts from foster care do not exceed an individual limit will be exempt from tax on their income from foster care. You would be encouraged to discuss this with your accountant for professional advice.

Individual and more general advice on taxation is available from a number of sources including the Inland Revenue.

15. If I decide to apply, how long will I have to wait before I begin having placements?

The length of the assessment process can vary between 3-6 months depending upon the complexity of your personal circumstances and the speed with which checks and references are received. Once your approval/appointment has been recommended by the Fostering Panel and confirmed by the Agency Decision Maker you can begin taking placements.

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