Your
Questions

There are two types of organisations you can foster with: an independent foster agency (IFA) or a local council fostering service. Here’s the difference:

Local authority fostering

Local council fostering services, like Fostering Barnsley, are run by the local council. They provide homes for children within the local community.

• Fostering with Barnsley Council keeps resources in our community. This helps children in need stay close to home.

• Local councils have a community-focused approach and local support networks.

Independent Fostering Agency

An IFA is a private company that finds and supports foster carers. They work on their own but team up with local councils to find homes for children. This is different from local authority fostering services which are run directly by the councils.

• IFAs often have more money to help foster carers. This includes fees, training programs, and support.

• IFAs cover a wider area, so you might foster children from different places. This does mean that children could have to make a big move away from school and friends.

Choosing between an IFA and a local council can sometimes feel difficult. Whilst we’re all united in wanting the best for children in care, Fostering Barnsley can offer you:

• A local support team in your area. Your dedicated social worker will be a Barnsley resident and will be just a phone call or short drive away.

• Learning and training. We run courses around the year, without a long journey cross-country.

• Community connection. Our foster carers are keen to share experiences and support each other.

• Care for your local area. We know Barnsley, and we want the best for our Barnsley young people.

No, there is no upper age limit for fostering! Our foster carers come from all stages of life and bring their own strengths and experiences to fostering.

Age should not stop you from giving a loving home to a child. We welcome carers of all ages, as long as you can emotionally and physically carry out day to day care. If you are over 21 and have the health and energy needed, you can become a foster carer!

Whatever your age, we encourage you to apply. We’ll offer the support and training you need to start fostering.

Find out more about the process to become a foster carer here.

Absolutely! Our single foster carers bring special skills to fostering. They often build strong bonds with foster children. This helps give children stability and security. All we ask for is compassion and dedication to providing a loving home.

Fostering can be challenging, but it's also magical and rewarding. You can change a child's life in an unforgettable way. Fostering Barnsley will support you at every stage. You’ll get full training, financial support, and help from a team of social workers and staff.

Absolutely! Our LGBTQIA+ foster carers bring special skills to fostering. They show great understanding and empathy for the children in their care. You can be single, married or living with a partner. All we ask is for compassion and dedication to providing a supportive home.

Fostering can be challenging, but it's also magical and rewarding. You can change a child's life in an unforgettable way. 

Fostering Barnsley will support you at every stage. You’ll get full training, financial support, and help from a team of social workers and staff.

Yes, you can foster if you have pets at home! Pets are part of the family and provide love and comfort. For foster children, pets can reduce stress and help them feel more at home.

There are a few things to consider when fostering with pets. Your animals must be well-behaved and comfortable around children. They also need to be up-to-date with vaccinations. It’s important that your home is clean and safe, and that you can care for both your pet and a foster child. This ensures that fostering is safe and successful for everyone.

During the application process, we will look at your pets’ temperaments and their suitability for fostering. Our team will work with you and offer advice on how to foster children with your pets successfully.

With the right preparation and support, fostering with pets can be magical for both the children and your furry friends.

Yes, you can foster even if you have children living at home! 

We welcome all kinds of families because fostering can be a wonderful, rewarding experience for everyone.

By being themselves, your family can make foster children feel comfortable and accepted. Fostering can also help your children. By welcoming another child into their lives, you can teach kindness and compassion.

Fostering Barnsley offers support and training to help your family adjust to fostering. It's important to think about the changes fostering will bring and make sure everyone is prepared and excited.

Here are some steps to take when considering fostering with your family:

• Talk openly to your family- Have open conversations with everyone in the family. Discuss what fostering means, the responsibilities it brings, and let them share their thoughts and concerns.

• Make sure everyone is emotionally prepared- Make sure everyone in the family is emotionally ready for fostering. Talk about how fostering might affect your feelings and make sure everyone feels good about the decision.

• Create space in your home- Make sure your home has enough space for both the foster child and your own children. Everyone should have a place where they can have privacy and feel comfortable.

If you’re interested in fostering with Barnsley, our team will support you every step of the way. We offer many support services to help you feel confident and supported. We understand that every family is different, and we’ll make sure fostering is the right choice for you.

Fostering requires time and dedication, so there are things to consider about fostering while working. It’s important that you can meet the needs of a foster child. Depending on your job, we will look at different types of fostering and your work schedule.

We understand that everyone’s situation is unique. We’ll help you to find a fostering arrangement that works best for you and the child. Fostering is a magical experience, and we believe everyone deserves the chance to change a child’s life.

During the assessment process, we help you find a fostering arrangement that fits your work schedule. Some types of fostering, like respite care or short-term placements, might be more compatible with a working lifestyle.

Many foster carers manage by coordinating their schedules and using our support systems.

We want foster carers to feel confident and supported, especially when balancing work and fostering. From the moment you join us, you’ll receive a range of services to help you provide the best care:

• Local, experienced support: Access to a dedicated team of social workers and support staff at all times.

• Training and development: Ongoing training to increase your skills and confidence.

• Respite care: Temporary care for your foster children to give you a break when needed.

• Community: A fostering community near you, where you can share experiences and support each other.

Find out more about our support services here.

Yes, you can choose the age of the child you want to foster. We want our carers to have good experiences, and we know you might feel more comfortable fostering certain ages. Different age groups might also fit better with your household and lifestyle.

We do also welcome foster carers who are happy to foster all ages! We have children and young people in care of all ages, who all need a loving home.

When you show interest in fostering, we take time to talk about your preferences, experiences and strengths. We also provide training and support for the age group you choose to foster. This helps us find the best match between you and a child in need.

No matter the age, fostering is a chance to change a child’s life in an unforgettable way. If you’re ready to start fostering and want to discuss your preferences, contact Fostering Barnsley today. We are here to support you every step of the way.