A Guide : The fundamentals of foster care

Foster care plays a crucial role in our society, with approximately three-quarters of children in the UK living in foster care. Despite the seemingly large number, there is still a pressing need for foster carers across the nation.

If you lack a complete understanding of what foster care involves, this overview aims to provide the information needed to make an informed and effective decision about whether you would like to become a foster parent.

At Bridging Gaps, we take pride in our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Our community consists of a diverse group of foster carers and social workers who approach their roles with mindfulness and acceptance, regardless of a child's race, religion, gender, sexuality, or disability. Our foster carers are open to caring for all children, and our support system is available 24 hours a day.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the foster care process, refer to this guide.

Children entering foster care typically haven't had the best start in life, often coming from stressful environments with fewer opportunities for growth than the average child. Therefore, the most crucial trait a foster carer must possess is kindness. Being kind and compassionate is vital for the healthy emotional growth of children, along with patience and supportiveness.

There are several reasons why you might consider becoming a foster carer. Whether you are stable and eager to care for a child, have a spare room, or simply have the time to support a child or young person, all these are valid reasons to embark on the rewarding journey of foster care. With the support of BGFA, you can be well on your way to making a positive impact as a foster carer.


Firstly, before you decide whether or not you want to become a foster carer, it’s important to understand the different types of foster care. Listed below are all of the different foster care types, along with their explanations. 

Types of foster care 

1. Long- term foster care 

This is when a child lives with their foster carers until they reach adulthood, which usually provides a child with a stable and secure family home. 

2. Short- term foster care

This is when a child needs support for a certain amount of time, lasting from anywhere between a few days to two years. This is commonly a temporary situation, until the child can return to their birth family. 

3. Emergency foster care 

This is when a child may need an immediate short term residence due to mitigating circumstances. Emergency care is a secure way to ensure the child or young person can be placed in a safe environment sooner than later. 

4. Therapeutic foster care 

Therapeutic foster care is a specific and specialist type of care for children or young persons who have experienced trauma and abuse prior to being placed in foster care. 

5. Parent and child foster care 

This is when a parent might need some guidance when it comes to raising their child in a safe and stable environment. Parent and child foster carers provide a supportive and positive environment where parents can foster the skills to become positive role models in their child's life.  

6. Respite/ planned break foster care 

This is when foster parents take a little break and need their foster children to be in care during that time. For example, respite care usually takes place on school holidays or over the weekend. 


What are the skills you need to foster?

Patience 

Resilience 

Love and care 

Non- judgemental attitude 

Open and effective communication 


Often, children that come into care have come from difficult homes where they might have faced trauma. Therefore, it's crucial that anyone looking into foster care takes time out to assess whether or not they have these skills and qualities. 

We urge anyone who is interested in foster care to focus on the key skills and qualities required to care for a child. This is not only a duty to the child, but it is also a key factor of being a professional. 


How long does the fostering process take? 

The standard process of becoming a foster carer in the UK usually takes between 4 to 6 months. The initial procedure is quite detailed, and includes many legalities, such as a DBS check, and following regulations set in The Children Act 1989.


What does the fostering process entail? 

The fostering assessment process 

The fostering assessment process includes two stages, you must pass both of them to go on and become a foster carer.

Stage one is practical information about your situation, and these questions will usually assess if fostering is right for you.

A social worker will give the assessment, and questions include: 

  • Details about the property you currently reside in. 

  • Personal information, including relationship history.

  • Your overall level of health ( which will need to be accompanied by a letter from your GP). 

  • Anyone else who is living with you, including any children. 

  • If anyone in your home as ever applied to foster care, adoption or to become a child minder.

  • The names and addresses of at least two people who can give your reference, and the references of all the adults that live with you. 

  • Other children in your family who don’t live with you. 

Stage two of the assessment includes a detailed overview of you and your family. 

A social worker will give the assessment, and questions include:

  • Your religious beliefs

  • Your personality 

  • Your ethnicity, cultural background as well as what languages you speak. 

  • Your employment history and standard of living

  • Your personality traits 

  • Whether or not you’re willing to care for a child of a different ethnicity, religion, or cultural background. 

  • Your interests and hobbies 

  • If you’ve ever cared for children 

  • Any useful skills you may have that are relevant to fostering.

Just remember fostering is for anyone and everyone, if you want to transform the life of a child, email us on info@bgfa.co.uk or call us on 01753 868686.