Once you’ve decided to become a foster carer, the next step is to start looking for a foster agency. However, you’ll want to put some time and effort into choosing the right one. Below are some tips to help you make the right choice:
Check the Ofsted Rating
One of the first things you should check when looking for a foster care agency is their Ofsted rating. Agencies with an “outstanding” or “Good” rating will be the best. These ratings show that the children under their care are fulfilling or exceeding expectations in all areas of life. One example of a foster care agency which has regions rated as outstanding is the Foster Care Associates.
Check the Location
Choosing an agency that operates in your area or has local offices near you makes great sense. Foster carers spend a great deal of time attending training sessions and meetings, so finding an agency nearby is essential. This will not only help reduce travelling time, but it can also cut costs.
Find Out About the Support They Offer
Most foster carers require support from fostering agencies, particularly in the early days of fostering a child. Foster agencies are responsible for supporting foster parents through this time and helping them deal with any tricky situations. However, not all fostering agencies offer the same support. So, it’s crucial to find out what types of support are available should you need it.
Find Out Whether You are entitled to a Break In Between Placements
Being a foster carer is one of the most rewarding things you can ever do, but it can also be quite tiring. Because of this, it’s essential to ensure the agency you choose offers a healthy amount of time off between each placement, should you decide you need it.
Find Out What Types of Fostering the Agency Caters For
Before choosing a fostering agency, it’s important to ensure they offer the type of fostering you feel comfortable doing. Most agencies cater to a range of fostering situations, including:
- Short-term foster care – this is a temporary form of foster care.
- Long-term foster care – if you choose this type of foster care, you will be responsible for caring for a child until they are old enough to care for themselves.
- Emergency fostering – this type of foster care can happen at a moment’s notice. You will foster children who are in immediate danger.
- Respite fostering – children who go into respite foster care go there briefly while their birth family or foster carers have a break.
- And many more – including disability fostering, parent and child fostering, sibling fostering and step-down fostering.
It can be difficult to know how and where to get started if you are interested in becoming a foster carer, whether as a single person or as part of a couple. Typically, the first step to becoming a foster carer is to find a foster agency. The tips above will help you choose the right foster agency for you.
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