Find out how you could become a foster carer in West Yorkshire

Make 2022 the year you do something rewarding - could you give a loving, supportive foster home to a young person

Team Fostering is an independent not-for-profit agency which wants to hear from people curious to find out more about fostering. We posed some frequently asked questions to find out more about becoming a foster carer with Team Fostering.

Do I have to be married with a family to foster?

Not at all. There are some basic criteria for fostering but foster carers can be married or single, with or without children and from a variety of backgrounds and sexual orientation.

Become a foster carer and be there for someone who needs the support and encouragement every child deserves

You must be over 21, have a spare bedroom, drive (or be learning) with access to a car, and be available to care around the clock. If you are currently working, then Team Fostering will advise you whether this would work alongside fostering or not. Other kids and pets in the home doesn’t rule you out either.

Will I be paid?

Yes, foster care is paid employment. Pay depends on the age of child but two thirds of Team Fostering’s youngsters are over 11 and you would receive about £480 per week to care for a teenager.

Is there training?

Yes, there is lots of training and support both online (you are given a laptop) and in person at a training centre in Yorkshire.

Helen, a carer for Team Fostering reassured anyone who wasn’t sure if they had all the skills: “Team Fostering provide a lot of training, so you don’t need to come with any experience. You just have to be the sort of person who wants to make a difference to children’s lives”.

How long does the process take?

Typically four to six months from your first enquiry. There will be home visits and lots of opportunities to ask questions.

How long will the youngsters be with me?

It can vary from one night to long-term but this would be discussed with you at length beforehand. Short break care is available to Team Fostering carers to allow you to reenergise – or you might be a short-break carer providing weekend or short-break cover for others. Often really strong bonds develop and the youngsters can become part of the family.

Why choose Team Fostering?

Team Fostering is a ‘Small but Mighty’ agency which has been helping young people and foster carers for 21 years. The tight-knit team means you get to know them, and they get to know you. They offer extensive support, training and development, a comprehensive activities programme, and holidays with other foster families, so you never feel alone.

Team Fostering Carer Kate explains why she loves being part of the Team Fostering community, “We are all working together, for the same outcome, which is to have a positive impact on the young people in our region,” she said.

Liam Phillips, Assistant Director (Marketing and Recruitment) explains why not-for-profit agencies like Team Fostering lead the way in supporting foster carers and young people: “Not many people realise that around 75 per cent of Independent Fostering Agencies are profit making. Team Fostering are proud to be part of the 25 per cent that reinvest any surplus back into the services we provide for carers and children. Now more than ever the young people within our region need our help. We’re actively recruiting foster carers that want to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people, and Team Fostering are dedicated to providing all of the support mechanisms needed to help people on that journey.”

Where can I find out more?

You can join Team Fostering at one of their upcoming online information events. The next one is on Tuesday January 25. Alternatively, click here to read more on our website https://bit.ly/3mK8JHQ or just pick up the phone and call 0800 292 2003 for an informal chat.