Archway Care Ltd

Questions you may have

Do I need specific qualifications to become a foster carer?

No. Our foster carers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, cultures, and with differing life experiences. The one common factor though, is that they all have a commitment to being a substitute parent, with all that entails, to one or more foster children. But there is a lot to learn about being a foster parent, and we offer a comprehensive preparation-training programme, which all carers have to attend. The training programme is a three-day course. The training programme is very much a learning process, and you might discover, during it, that foster caring isn't for you.

Do I have to be married to be a foster carer?

No. We do have married couples and partners as carers with Archway Care, but we also have single parents, single people without their own children, and same sex couples. However, where prospective foster carers are in a relationship, this relationship needs to be at least 3 years in its union.

How old must I be to become a foster carer?

Archway Care requires prospective foster carers to be 25 years of age and not to have pre-verbal birth children which is usually 3 years and under.

Do I need to own my own house to be a foster carer?

No. Archway care will give consideration to applicants who live in all forms of accommodation if they have a secure tenure. However, foster children must have their own room.

If I become a foster carer with Archway Care, will I be expected to foster every child you ask me to take?

No. The process does not work like that. There is a structured process for becoming a carer, and during this, you and the social worker who is working with you, will work out with you the best age group, gender, and number of children that could be placed with you. You can be assured, you will never be asked to foster a child whom you do not wish to foster, as this would be very damaging for the child.

Where do foster children come from?

Social Workers from Local Authorities all over the UK contact our Archway Care and ask us if we have a foster carer who might be suitable for a particular foster child aged 0-18.

In order to ensure the best possible outcome for foster children, this process can often take several months. On the other hand, if the placement is done on an emergency basis, it can be very quick, however at Archway Care, we are much happier with the planned approach.

Many of the foster children we care for have experienced multiple placement changes and may have been abused or neglected. As a result they may suffer severe emotional damage and trauma. Foster carers play a vital role in assisting foster children to rebuild their lives and look forward to a brighter future.

Do I need personal support networks to become a foster carer?

Foster carers are expected to utilise family and friend support networks when circumstances arise where child care is required to permit them to attend appointments, meetings and training days that are arranged by the agency. This offers continuity for the child in foster care and ensures the child is appropriately supervised in a safe and familiar environment.

Do I receive money for being a foster carer?

Yes. Carers with Archway Care receive a generous weekly allowance.

Will I get time off if I need it?

Archway Care foster carers are entitled to take14 nights respite care a year to permit them time when they are not caring for foster children. Where foster carers do not take respite care they will be entitled to the 14 nights respite allowance.

Will I be able to continue to work if I become a foster carer?

Being a foster carer is a challenging position because of the high level of need of our foster children and young people. There is an expectation that the main carer does not have any other form of full-time employment where children are placed long-term.

If I become a foster carer what information will be kept about me and my family?

To become a foster carer you have to undergo a lengthy and thorough assessment of you and your family. The credentials that will be required to verify your identity and background will be held in confidential files at our offices.