FAQ’s
Below we attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions we get asked
FAQ’s
F.A.Q.
For Foster Carers
What kind of checks will you carry out on me and my home?
We carry out a number of checks as part of the application process. These include:
- A Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS), on all members of your household over the age of 18;
- Checks with your local authority social services department and health trust social work services;
- Checks with the education departments of schools and Local Education Authority;
- Checks with Ofsted;
- A standard safety check on your home;
- We also request references from current / previous employers as well as personal references from two people who have known you.
I’m going to be the main foster carer – do you need to carry out checks on my partner?
Yes – we carry out checks on all adult members of your household including children and lodgers etc. All couples living together are partners in the fostering process, so you’ll both need to have the necessary checks and training as part of your assessment.
Why is the assessment comprehensive?
The assessment process is detailed and comprehensive to ensure that a safe and positive outcome for children remains central to the work we do.
Taking on the responsibility of a child is a truly rewarding experience but we have a duty to make sure that you will be a good match for the looked after children so there is a comprehensive process to go through before you become an approved foster carer. We’ll support you through this journey as best as we can so feel as comfortable as possible.
What is the role of my social worker?
The role of your supervising social worker is to support you once you have been approved as a foster carer with Infinity Foster Care. Support and guidance will be given through regular one to one meetings, supervision, home visits, telephone and email support.
Can I choose which age group or gender I would prefer to foster?
Yes – although it’s worth bearing in mind that the majority of children referred to us are aged 11+. You’re more likely to have continuous placements if you’re willing to take teenagers as well as younger children.
F.A.Q.
For Foster Children
Who is Infinity Foster Care?
Infinity Foster Care is a fostering agency. We put young people, who need care, in touch with foster carers who would like to look after them.
We spend a lot of time with every foster carer that works with us, checking to make sure that they’re the right type of person to be a carer. All of our work is to the high standard set by the government.
Our job is to ensure the carers have all the necessary skills and tools to offer you the help and support you could possibly need – including providing your own space and privacy by having a room of your own. We want you to have somewhere to live where you feel safe and have the support to be the best person you can be.
Foster carers come from a range of religions, and can be from all kinds of cultures. Remember, we’ll always try to make sure that your needs and wishes are carefully matched with foster carers.
Every effort is made to ensure your needs are met, physically and emotionally. Extra support is on hand, in the form of counselling or support with a skill, should you need it.
When can I see my family?
Your social worker will help you keep in touch with your family.
If there are people you’d like to visit, like grandparents or friends, please tell your foster carer or social worker.
Meeting your family might be upsetting, and how you feel about it is important. You, your social worker and foster family will chat about this together, and if it’s best for you to see your family, they’ll help organise it.
When Can I go back Home?
It’s hard to say when you can go back home, as it depends on many possible reasons. Some young people go back to their families after a short time in care, others will never live with their families like they did before. This doesn’t mean that they won’t see their family, it just means that it’s better for them to be looked after by their carer instead. Your social worker will make sure that whatever decision is made about where you stay, you have your say. The decision is made during a ‘child care review’. Sometimes this is a hard decision to make, and sometimes it’s made by a Judge. Your social worker will make sure you know what’s going on.
Why do people go into foster care?
There are many reasons why young people go into care. This can be when:
- A parent is ill and unable to look after the child at home, or;
- People, who either live in your house, or who visit your home, may have harmed you, or;
- Your relationship with a parent is just not working out.
Whatever the reason, social workers in your area have agreed it’s better for you not to live at home for now. They will try to see if there is any family or friends that you can stay with. If not, they’ll agree that the best place for you to be is in foster care.
Infinity Foster Care will be asked if we have foster carers who can take care of you. During this time your social worker will be working very hard to try and sort out the problems at home. This might need lots of meetings with other people, for example your teachers as well as members of your family – but you’ll always be asked about what you think and feel too.
How often can I see my family?
Who you see, and how often you see them, depends on what’s best for you. There are lots of things that your social worker will have to think about at the child care review before deciding this, but you’ll be asked your opinion and it matters what you think and feel. If you feel worried about seeing anyone in your family alone, your social worker or another adult can be with you when you meet.What will my social worker do?
Your social worker will organise your care by writing a ‘care plan’. When they’re writing this plan, they’ll talk to you, your carer and usually your family. Your social worker will also make sure you’re okay with your placement and your experience of being in care is a good one.
When you first go into care your social worker will fill out some forms about you and your carer. These forms will be about your health, your school and look at how often you will see family and friends.
Your social worker will:
- Visit you when you’re in care at least once every six weeks. Make sure a child care review takes place, where progress of the placement is reviewed regularly by professionals involved in the care of that young person.
- Talk to you about your hobbies, what you like and the things that you’re good at.
- Talk to you if you are unhappy about anything.Make sure you have everything you need.
- Talk to you alone about where you’re living, how you’re feeling and how you’re getting on at school.