How quickly can I become a foster carer?

How quickly can I become a foster carer?

Becoming a foster carer will typically take around eight months from the first enquiry. There is a series of visits and assessments with a social worker before and final interview with a panel which will make a decision as to whether you will be approved to foster.

What to do when a child is placed in foster care?

When a child is placed, the Family Placement Social Worker should ensure that the carer is given full information about the child from the child’s Social Worker. The child’s Social Worker will complete the required documentation so that the foster carer receives appropriate payment.

Can a foster carer meet the birth parent?

If a planned placement is being made, introduction visits should be arranged for the child to the foster carer’s home and the foster carer could meet the child’s parent where appropriate. For some placements it will not be advisable to divulge the carer’s address to the birth parents (s) where there is a risk to the child’s safety.

How does foster care work in South Africa?

Within the formal child care system in South Africa, foster care is normally considered to be the preferred form of substitute care for children who cannot remain with their biological families and who are not available for adoption.

How old do you have to be to be considered for foster care?

The CoramBAAF Form E as well as the carers’ Form F and a matching report would be considered by the Fostering Panel when considering a match with a carer where the child is under 13 years of age or where the case is in Care Proceedings.

What happens when a child is placed in foster care?

When children are placed in foster care, it can be very stressful for everyone in the family. You may feel angry, overwhelmed, or worried about your children’s safety and well-being. Your children may be confused and scared.

If a planned placement is being made, introduction visits should be arranged for the child to the foster carer’s home and the foster carer could meet the child’s parent where appropriate. For some placements it will not be advisable to divulge the carer’s address to the birth parents (s) where there is a risk to the child’s safety.

Can a child return home after being in foster care?

You may feel angry, overwhelmed, or worried about your children’s safety and well-being. Your children may be confused and scared. But foster care is not forever. Children and youth can and do return home to their families. In fact, this is the most common outcome. 1 1 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2015).

What do you need to know about becoming a foster carer?

What you need to know about becoming a foster carer, types of foster care, how to apply, what to expect, legal matters, and your rights and responsibilities As an authorised foster carer, you are one of the most important people in the child’s or young person’s life for the time they’re in your care.