New to fostering: What are we entitled to?

[oceanpowa]

Hi all,

For some context, I'd like to add a little information about how we became foster parents of Child X. Please note I have done every effort to protect the child's identity. I have referenced the child as "Child X," not listed any specific names or locations (other than Z - population 250,000), and not referenced Child X's gender and instead used they/them/their etc.

My partner's sister, took in Child X, who was (but no longer is) her child's best friend. It started as a couple of nights here and there, and then Child X was kicked out of their home. The social service agreed that Child X could stay with my partner's sister on a permanent basic but she had to go through assessments etc.

After approximately 10 months, the relationship broke down and she decided that Child X could no longer stay in her home. During the last 2 months, myself and my partner got to know Child X more, and we also witnessed the improvements they've made since we first met them.

They are a looked after child in Z, Y. Their father has PR and the arrangement is a voluntary care order (not a full care order) I believe. Although, I'm not entirely sure what that fully entitles as I've only started to read fostering and care myself.

Child X does have complex needs. They didn't receive the appropriate care at home and need constant attention. They have behavioural problems and can be very destructive. Myself and my partner have witness the changes since we first met them and believe with a good environment and support, they can overcome some of the struggles and have a better future.

My partner's sister is lovely, but her home was not the right environment for them. They shared a bedroom with another child in the home, which caused various issues, and there wasn't any routine or anything like that happening so Child X was staying up late at night and not going to school etc.

So, with the permission and support from the social worker, as Child X was going to be moved into a shared facility in a different region of the country as they are almost 16, myself and my partner decided to take Child X on.

In order to have Child X permanently, we had to move home and do it as quickly as possible, as we were living in a 2 bedroom and already have a child. Child X has now been with us for about 5 weeks in total.

I believe that myself (co-foster carer) and my partner (foster carer) are being put through as Kinship, connected persons foster carers. We have done our police checks and almost completed the assessment forms with the social worker. We should be going to panel in the next couple of weeks.

I feel very awkward about asking questions about finance with the social worker. It might be the British in me, who knows, but I was hoping to get more clarity on this as our rent and bills have gone up, especially our electric and gas. And for the first time, well, since Covid, I'm a little concerned about our finances.

1. We are currently receiving £470.00 every 14 days from the local authority. £10.00 is reduced for Child X's child savings. Our social worker informed us that £20.00 of the £460.00 remaining is Child X's pocket money. On the statement we receive it says "P A R C" - I'm not sure what this means?

2. We have received a little help from the local authority with contributions towards a mattress and bedding, however we paid for the custom-made bed frame, a TV, and other furniture. We may also get a larger contribution for a wardrobe also.

3. We have been told by our social worker that they won't help for birthdays unless it's a 10th or 18th birthday. Child X is turning 16 shortly. However, if they need a birth certificate or passport, or they would like to go on holiday or attend trips with the school or future college, our social worker from the local authority can help more there.

4.Child X has a lot of needs. They are interested in boxing and kickboxing, and other activities, like joining the gym. However, Child X struggles to walk to places and is co-dependent on adults, of course, and doesn't like being in places where they don't know anyone due to anxiety. Therefore we'd need to drive them and be with them. Is there support from local authority or grants to help looked after child be more socially active and healthy?

5. Before coming to us, Child X was put in the behavioural unit at school, which is segmented from the mainstream school, and only has one lesson a day at school. This means Child X is mainly at home. They are often late to the one lesson and lacks motivation, so needs a lot of support from us. Due to learnt behaviours and lack of routine, and possibly other issues, Child X is unable to sleep at nights and tends to go to bed at 2-4am which we are working on.

From what I can see online, kinship carers are entitled to the same compensation and benefits as foster carers. I looked on the Z website and it says that weekly child allowance and carer fee for foster carers in Z is £402.25 for 11-15 age group.

Please see here: https://www.Z.

However, I'm seeing other figures on different websites and also receives to the minimum allowance for fostering etc. If the above link is correct, why are we not receiving this type of payment? Is it because we are not reached the panel yet or something else? I'd like to know what we're entitled to so we can ensure our family and Child X is taken care of.

I have read through other posts on here and it seems like members are very knowledgable about kinship care and fostering, so your help would be appreciated.

I hope my post doesn't come across the wrong way. We are very much in this for the care of the child and improving their future, not ours.

[Robin D]

Hi oceanpowa and welcome.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with you post, or yet any indication that you are in it for the money.

I wonder though if you will get more direct answers to most of your questions from The Fostering Network https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/ ... nformation as many of your questions are on what you should be getting help with? Family Right Group are more focussed on the legal position. I suspect one of the advisors here will be along with some information and signposting, so please stay engaged.

Although a former foster parent myself, we haven't fostered a child for well over 20 years and the regulations and allowances have been very much updated since then so any advice I could impart is likely to be unhelpful.

I wish you well with the task ahead though. It's really a tough job when a child has already been through failed placements. especially as you have a child of your own.

Best wishes ..... Robin

[oceanpowa]

I appreciate your support and guidance, Robin. I'm just registering with The Fostering Network and will also write there. Thank you for the recommendation. I'm also looking forward to responses from advisors here.

It would also be good to know legal standings also. I have been wondering what free support we can access and if we can access free third party support during the fostering process.

[oceanpowa]

Looks like I'm unable to register. There's an error on their site which asks you to login?

https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/user/register

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear oceanpowa

Welcome to the kinship carers’ discussion board. Thank you for your post. My name is Suzie. I am Family Rights Group’s online adviser.

You are trying to clarify what support you and your partner are entitled to since you have taken on the care of Child X. You are right to seek advice and information on this matter so that you can care for the child properly and meet their needs fully.

Unfortunately, as the local authority responsible for the child is not an English local authority, we are not able to advise. Family Rights Group’s advice service advises parents and family members in England or where the local authority for the child is in England. Different laws and regulations apply outside England. I am sorry that we are therefore not able to provide you with the specific advice you are seeking.

Another kinship carer has already provided you with the details of the Fostering Network, a specialist service which does cover your area. Their website states that If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you do not have to be a member of The Fostering Network to get in touch with them: anyone can call. Their contact details are: 0800 316 7664 and email: fosterlinewales@fostering.net.

You may also be able to access some advice and information from AfkaCymru about the permanency options for Child X. Their contact number is 029 2076 1155.

I hope this is useful to you. Sorry not to be able to assist you more. I hope that you and Child X manage to get the right help and support.

Best wishes

Suzie