Basic FAQ's

Q: Could I be a Foster Carer?
A: If you are aged between 25 and 65 years of age, and have a spare room you could be considered as a Foster Carer.

Q: Do I have to own my own home to be a Foster Carer?
A: You do not need to own your own home. The requirement is a safe environment and to be able to provide a room that is solely for the Foster Child.

Q: What are the criteria for becoming a Foster Carer?
A: The main criteria is that you want to care and provide a safe, warm, loving and caring environment for a child who may not have had the best start in life. Your guidance, support and respect for any child placed in your care can totally change and shape their future years. To be able to be non-judgemental of any child’s background, cultural and economic background is essential.

Q: What is the process of becoming a Foster Carer?
A: Any Foster Carer whether in the private or public sector participates in a process of assessment
by a Benecare Socail Worker. This is a report that is carried over a period of time with appointments that are always booked   to best  suit you.

You are also required to undergo a medical by your GP as part of the assessment. In addidtion in the very early stages of introduction to Benecare you must attend a "Skills to Foster" training course held over a couple of days, for instance two Saturdays.

Q: What support will I receive?
A: During the assessment process you will be assigned a Social Worker who will work with you and your family in completing the process. 

Once Approved at " Panel " you be matched with a Supervising Social Worker who will visit every six weeks, then more regularly once you have a Placement. Your Supervising Social Worker will also be available to you via telephone for support and consultation in between visits. 

There will also be a Foster Manager, Placement Officer and an Office Manager based in our Head Office in Sevenoaks who will contact you regularly. You are also welcome to contact them at any time.

We make sure there is a good support network available for you. You will also have contact with our other Foster Carers. You will meet them at Training (there is Mandatory Training that you need to attend after Approval), and other events provided by Benecare. ___________________________________________________________________________________

Q: What if I have a question that is not on this page?
A: Contact us, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about becoming a Foster Carer and Benecare Children's Services. Our contact details are on the Home page.