It is caring for children who for some reason cannot be cared for within their own families. Sometimes it is not possible or safe for children to remain in their own/extended family and they need to be looked after by foster carers. Fostering allows children to live with ordinary families and to lead as normal a life as possible. Fostering is a shared task between foster carers, social workers and natural parents. We encourage regular contact between children, their parents and extended family. This is very important for the child.

Who can foster?

Married, single, young, old, employed, unemployed, big house or small - you may have something to offer a child in need of a secure and loving family experience.

Why are foster parents needed?

It is a sad fact that some children cannot live at home with their own families. There are all kinds of reasons for this:

These children need to be part of an ordinary family - they will perhaps be sad, confused, angry at their situation and foster carers can help them work through these feelings.

Types of Foster Care.

Emergency - caring for a child when a crisis arises. This will be for a short period, a matter of days usually.
Bridge Carers - temporarily caring for a new baby or older child, maybe for a matter of months until the child moves on to an adoptive home.
Assessment carers - a temporary arrangement where a child is looked after for short periods of time due to perhaps family crisis, because a parent is ill, due to difficult behaviour. The plan will be for the child to return home or if old enough to live independently in the community, following a period of assessment
Permanent carers - some children need foster care for a longer period because a return home is not envisaged. When this is required we need carers who are able to offer a stable, permanent home.
Respite care - a time-limited arrangement, usually 1 weekend per month or perhaps longer at special times.
Relative/Friend placement - where a child is related/known to you and you feel you cannot offer placement without the support of Social Services. If a child cannot remain at home for whatever reason a social worker will in the first instance see if that child could be cared for by family or friends.

Your Questions

Q. Do foster carers get paid?

A. Allowances are paid and if on benefits these are not affected.

Expenses covered include food, clothing, footwear, pocket

money, school uniforms etc.

Q. Is there a choice of child?

A. We will discuss the needs of a particular child, age, sex, religion, etc. and will match the child to a family appropriately.

Q. Do parents keep contact with their child?

A. This is encouraged and is very important to children. Our goal would be to return a child to his/her family ideally and we know that sustained contact makes this an easier process.

Q. What about equipment?

A. We provide equipment e.g. bed, bedding, cot, pram, etc.

REWARDS

“Just to see her smile in the morning makes it all worthwhile.”
“My own children are now more understanding and tolerant.”
“Seeing him become more confident is just great.”
“It’s hard to let go but I know I’ve done a good job in helping this child move on.”
“I’d do it all again.”

What Next?

Well, for starters, Thank You for your enquiry. If you still feel you are interested and the sort of person for whom we are looking, why not come along to an Information Evening. These are held at:

Family Placement Service,

2 Old Lurgan Road,

Portadown.

BT63 5SG.

Tel: 028 3833 7181.

There will be foster carers present who can tell you about their own experiences and answer any queries you might have.

If you are unable to attend an Information Evening contact us and a social worker will arrange a home visit.

Fostering Service

What is fostering?

Who can foster?

Why are foster parents needed?

Types of Foster Care.

Your Questions

REWARDS

What Next?

TAKE THAT STEP - LIFT THE PHONE, ASK FOR DETAILS!