People from many backgrounds foster. We need carers from all ethnic groups, single carers and couples of any gender or sexuality, and carers from all age ranges. What is important is that carers have the ability to meet the needs of the children they care for.
Children who are in foster care have a range of complex needs. To be able to meet these needs foster carers have to develop or already possess skills in the following areas:
- A child centred approach
- Good communication skills, especially being able to talk to children in a way that they can understand and that treats them with respect
- Respect confidentiality. Foster carers have access to a lot of information about the children they care for. There is a need for tact and sensitivity around sharing any of that information. Remember it belongs to the child
- Team working. Foster carers are part of a team working with children. They need to work with social workers, parents, schools, etc. in the best interests of the children they care for. This will mean attending meetings, keeping records and sharing information with appropriate people
- Be able to provide a good standard of physical care
- A good personal support network
- Commitment to training and personal development. Everyone has a capacity to continue to learn.
- Understanding the impact of fostering on themselves and their family
- Understanding of multi-cultural issues and the impact of racism. Foster carers need to have a commitment to treating all children as individuals
- Managing difficult or challenging behaviour in a way that promotes children's self esteem and helps them develop their own sense of morality
- Working with parents. In most cases we are working with children so they can return home. It is important that foster carers have skills to work closely with parents to help this process
Specialisations
With experience and training, some carers find they have an aptitude and interest in caring for particular children. Some carers decide to take on the challenge of teenage fostering, others find that they have the patience and consistency demanded of caring for children with special needs, or disabilities.
Accommodation
The Foster Home should comfortably accommodate everyone who lives there. Each Foster child placed should have his or her own bed and enough space and privacy to reflect any specific needs.
If a child has been abused or, has abused another child then the Foster Child should have his or her own room.
All Foster Carers have a Health & Safety Checklist completed as part of their assessment process.
Transport
Foster carers are given a weekly allowance of which a percentage is for transport costs.
All vehicles used for transporting Fostered Children should be safe and appropriate (e.g. have Car Seats fitted).
Discipline and Sanctions
We recognise that different families have different rules, depending on different opinions, backgrounds, ethnic origin and religion.
However any form of discipline or sanction should not contravene the rights of any child looked after by this borough. Some discipline practices are therefore not acceptable for Foster Carers to use:
Examples of unacceptable practices:
- Corporal punishment
- Deprivation of food and drink
- Restriction or refusal of visits / communication
- Requiring a child to wear distinctive or inappropriate clothing
- Witholding Medical or Dental Treatment
- The use of accommodation to physically restrict
- Intentional sleep deprivation
- Intimate physical searches
Preparation Group Sessions specifically address behaviour management and safe caring issues and will suggest ways of continuing to nurture and care for the child whilst challenging unacceptable behaviour.
Contact Us
Fostering and Adoption Service
London Borough of Waltham Forest
1C The Drive
Walthamstow E17 3BN
Tel 020 8496 3000, or
Direct line to Adoption Service on 020 8496 1588
Direct line to Fostering Service on 020 8496 2479
