Your Questions
What is Brighter Fostering?
Brighter Fostering is an indpendent fostering provider. We put young people, who need care, in touch with foster carers who would like to look after them.
We spend a lot of time with every foster carer that works with us, checking to make sure that they’re the right type of person to be a carer. All of our work is to the high standard set by the government.
Our work is to ensure the foster carers have all the necessary skills and tools to offer you the help and support you could possibly need, including providing your own space and privacy by having a room of your own. We want you to have somewhere to live where you feel safe and have the support to be the best person you can be.
Foster carers come from a range of religions and can be from all kinds of cultures. Remember, we’ll always try to make sure that your needs and wishes are carefully matched with foster carers.
Every effort is made to ensure your needs are met, physically and emotionally. Extra support is on hand, in the form of counselling or support with a skill, should you need it.
Why is the assessment comprehensive?
The assessment process is detailed & comprehensive to ensure that a safe and positive outcome for children remains central to the work we do. Taking on the responsibility of a child is a truly rewarding experience but we have a duty to make sure that you will be a good match for the looked after children so there is a comprehensive process to go through before you become an approved foster carer. We’ll support you through this journey as best as we can so feel as comfortable as possible. The role of your supervising social worker is to support you once you have been approved as a foster carer with Brighter Fostering. Support and guidance will be given through regular one to one meeting, supervision, home visits, telephone and email support.
I’m going to be the main foster carer – do you need to carry out checks on my partner?
Yes – we carry out checks on all adult members of your household including children and lodgers etc. All couples living together are partners in the fostering process, so you’ll both need to have the necessary checks and training as part of your assessment.
How much will I be paid and how is this decided?
Our fostering payments vary depending on placement type, but the majority of our foster carers currently receive around £395 per child, per week. This fee covers general living costs for the child in your care and a competitive reward.
Your supervising social worker will discuss individual fees and allowances with you before each placement.
Can I choose which age group or gender I would prefer to foster?
Yes, although it’s worth bearing in mind that the majority of children referred to foster care are between the ages of 10 to 15 years of age. Though at Brighter Fostering we will receive referrals of all ages from 0 to 18 years of age, these will include young people from diverse backgrounds.
You’re more likely to have continuous placements if you’re willing to take teenagers as well as younger children. However, no placement will be imposed on you, it has to be the right match and agreed with placement teams and the foster carer, before any child or young person comes to live with you.
Will I receive training?
Yes.
As “professionals” we expect foster carers to continue their learning and development throughout their fostering career, as such, we provide ongoing training and development opportunities for new and experienced carers.
Brighter Fostering has a tiered approach to training
Level 1 training courses designed for new carers.
Level 2 training courses designed for experienced carers.
Level 3 training courses are designed for those carers who want to become specialist carers.
