Can I be a Foster Carer?
Find answers to frequently asked questions about becoming a foster care
Assessment
You will then present to the Fostering Panel to be approved carers. This takes place at Shaw House in Newbury.
Payment
Carers are self-employed and receive an allowance rather than a wage.
These payments depend on the age of the child, or children, placed with you. Carers are not paid if they do not have a placement.
You can read more about allowances on our 'about the fostering service' page.
Placement
You can find out more about the different types of foster placement, here.
Support
You will be allocated a supervising social worker who will visit monthly and support you at fostering related meetings. You will also receive an annual review, similar to an appraisal, to support your development as a carer.
Local carers
You will be invited to attend the West Berkshire Foster Carers Association monthly meetings to meet with other local carers.
Myth-busting
Foster carers can:
- be single, married, straight or gay
- be of any race, religion or faith
- have older or younger children
- live in West Berkshire or within a 20-mile radius of Newbury
- have a house, bungalow or flat
What we expect
We expect our foster carers to:
- complete their pre-approval training course
- have a child focused approach
- attend monthly supervision appointments
- have empathy
- use of their fostering allowance reasonably
- have a reflective attitude to problem solving
- have warmth and passion
- support other local carers
- have a commitment to school transport
- be inclusive within your family
- have good use of back up care
- have good attendance at key meetings