Have you got what it takes to be a foster carer? The answer is probably yes

Becoming a foster carer is a major step and comes with big responsibilities. However, for many it is not as scary as it sounds, and the rewards can be amazing.

Dean & Cauvin Fostering offers comprehensive training, guidance and ongoing support, they’ll give you everything you need to become a confident and fulfilled foster carer.

Taking the first step is easy. Simply call their friendly fostering team for an informal chat and find out more about what’s involved. It could be the start of a life-changing journey – both for you and for a young person who needs your support.

The team appreciates everyone has different skills which is why they welcome an approach from a wide range of people; from couples and singles, those newly retired, those whose children have left home, those who still have children living at home, or a young couple who want to help children who need a helping hand. Some may have never parented, but have experience in supporting young people.

Your questions answered by Dean & Cauvin

Do foster carers get paid? Is there an allowance for foster carers?

We provide a fee for foster carers (currently £474 per week) as well as a fostering allowance (currently £191 per week) to help with the cost of looking after a young person.

Dean & Cauvin also provide an additional weeks’ allowance for birthdays and Christmas holidays, and an additional two weeks allowances for the summer holidays.

Can I foster if I work part- or full-time?

Yes, you can work and foster young people, however there are some things to consider. When you become a foster carer your main priority and responsibility is to the young person - ensuring that they have the physical and emotional support that they need. You will also be expected to attend meetings, be available for social worker visits, and complete training. A job with flexible hours or the ability to work remotely can make it easier.

If you think you might struggle to combine fostering with your current job and you don’t want to leave work at the moment, short break foster caring could still be a great option for you. You could provide care for a child or young person on regular weekends or in the school holidays.

What’s the difference between fostering and adoption?

Both fostering and adoption provide a safe, secure and stable environment for children and young people who cannot live with their birth family.

Adoption means taking full legal and parental responsibility for a child. It is a life-long commitment supported by an adoption order, which is granted through a court and is permanent.

With fostering, there are different options. You could care for a child for one night, a few days or even several years, depending on the needs of the child and what you are able to provide. Another key difference is that when a child is fostered, legal responsibility for them stays with the local authority.

How long do young people stay in foster care? How long does a fostering placement last?

How long a foster care placement will last depends on the type of care a young person needs. It could be a night, a week, a month, or years.

What happens if I no longer want to foster?

If your circumstances change and you can’t or you don’t want to be a foster carer any longer we’ll support you through the process of de-registering. If you have a young person in your care when you decide to stop fostering you’ll need to keep looking after them for up to 28 days while we find them a new home.

What’s the role of social workers in fostering?

The role of social workers in fostering is to support you as a foster carer, as well as the young person in your care. The young person will also have their own social worker so you’ve both got your own, different sources of support. Foster carers receive monthly support and supervision from their supervising social worker who will be in touch regularly by phone, message and in person to make sure you’re all alright and the child is getting the care they need. They will also help with your training and development to make sure you’ve got the skills you need.

Do I need a spare bedroom?

Yes, you will need a spare bedroom to be able to foster a young person. However, if you are thinking of moving home which will have a spare bedroom, do still get in touch.

Can I foster babies?

Some foster carers are approved to foster new mothers under the age of 18, offering parenting support and guidance.

What training and support is available?

Carers for short and long-term fostering placements are needed, for young people aged 11-years-old and over. The organisation is also looking for those who could become mum-and-baby foster carers to teenagers. Foster carers who can provide short breaks over weekends are also being sought.

You start with an initial chat, then a supervising social worker will meet with you. It’s your chance to ask lots of questions, as they also find out more about you.

A state-of-the-art training programme called Skills to Foster provides the help that you need. Then ongoing support is provided with a 24-hour on-call service. Supervising social worker Iain says that the state-of-the-art training makes it the ideal time to start your fostering journey.

Fostering with Dean & Cauvin offers the opportunity to build up a close working relationship with support staff, as well as other foster carers. Training, meetings, family days and events show that you’ll be joining one big fostering community family. You become part of a professional, supportive community.

Carers benefit from:

• A structured training and development pathway
• 24/7 support from an experienced team
• Regular supervision and guidance
• Opportunities to connect with other carers

Find out more

To take the first step, visit the website to learn more about fostering with Dean & Cauvin or pick up the phone for an informal chat - 0131 297 7322.