Fostering - Your questions answered
A day in the life of a foster carer
Jayne Mullen and husband Dave have been foster carers for Gateshead Council since 2012. Jayne left a full time advertising role to pursue fostering and now cares for two young siblings.
We asked Jayne to explain what being a foster carer is really like.
"Being a foster carer is in many respects exactly as you would imagine. You are with your placed child for 24 hours a day. You are responsible for their bedtime routine; taking them to school; feeding them; promoting leisure activities and everything you would do with your own children,
however there is one big difference, and something I certainly didn't appreciate until I started my application to foster."
"As a foster carer I do everything a parent would do, however I am not expected to be the child's guardian and make all the decisions about the child/children."
"Gateshead Council is the Corporate Parent and they have the overall responsibility for that child so there are some things you can't automatically do and need permission for. I am however an integral part of a team of professionals who have responsibility for the child."
"Fostering is ultimately about bringing up a child or children in a safe family environment, however there is so much more to a career in fostering than many people realise. Fostering is rewarding, fulfilling and challenging and has been life changing for me in a positive way!"
What does this mean on a day-to-day basis?
Social worker contact
"Every foster carer is allocated a social worker who is ultimately there to support and supervise them on a regular basis. They offer advice and support and are always there at the end of the phone if you have a problem. I have regular contact with my social worker and work with her on my personal development plan, which identifies any relevant training and support I need."
Daily reporting
"I am expected to keep a daily record on each child in placement. This covers all aspects of the child's life and development from daily activities to special events. It is a record for the child to look back on, and takes about 10 -15 minutes each day to complete. Full training about this is provided."
Professional meetings
"I am required to attend 'Looked After Children Reviews' which looks at the child's care plan and how each professional is going to help the child achieve in different areas of their lives.
This is reviewed regularly and ensures each child is given every opportunity to reach their potential. Each child in care also has a Personal Education Plan. As a foster carer I meet regularly with professionals from the child's school to discuss their progress and help them achieve their individual targets."
Family time
"Most children in care will retain some degree of contact with their biological parent(s) or other members of their birth family and as a foster carer I must help to facilitate this. This can be daily, weekly or quarterly. It is usually on a weekday and if the children are of school age this is arranged after school.
This can be at a Contact centre or out in the community and is fully supported by Gateshead's Contact team or child's social worker."
Training and support sessions
"There are a range of courses available which you are very much encouraged to attend and supported to do so.
They are flexible and accommodate different learning styles. I have also attended a range of courses and support sessions that the fostering team offer which are a great opportunity to meet like minded people, share experiences and get advice."
