Foster care advice please.

[Minty]

Hi all
a bit of a longshot but i am looking for some advice on foster care, kinship foster care, residency orders.
We are looking at the alternatives for our 10yr old nephew whos parents have given up on him and don`t want him no more.
Had we not have stepped in on saturday morning he was all set to go in to care later that day.
I have done some research and its a bit of a minefield out there what with different types of fostering and residency orders.
So here i am just hoping for a bit of advice from anyone who may have been in a similar situation
Thanks Minty

[Rhona]

Sorry Minty, I don't have any experience myself, but I have a few friends who are family solicitors, some of whom are local to you, and I know a bit about their work.

I would suggest you speak to a lawyer first, for some initially informal advice. If you check the Law Society website, you can find a solicitor nearby who is on the Family Law panel/accredited.

If you hit a brick wall, PM me and I'll try to help, but not around much at the mo.

Good luck.

[rustylady]

You need some legal advice Minty. Lots of solicitors do what they call "Free First Interviews", but make sure you get someone that specialises in family law as Rhona said. I presume Social Care Services are involved with the family - talk to them. Your nephew probably has an assigned social worker. They should be helpful - they really prefer children to go to family rather than anonymous foster carers.

[CaroltheCarrot]

Been a long time since I was in the field and laws etc change,but agree with rustylady social services much prefer to place children with family members where at all possible.There should be some monetary help for you as well as support and advice.
Best of luck

[poly]

To be a Foster Carer you must first be fully assessed which is a lengthy process. For a family member or close friend to look after a child its called Kindship care and there is loads on the net. You should be able to receive some monies towards looking after your nephew. Although I think some Local Authority Social Services may be reluctant if they think you will look after the child anyway.

Look into it first because it might be that unless they class him as 'Looked After' you will not get as much support both financially and practically from Social Services. Others will support as they want to prevent further problems for the kid.

Have a look at this link to get you started, but worth googling Kindship Care to get you more info.
http://www.childrenslegalcentre.com/...75af49bef3ba70
Sorry its a long one

[jackie j]

Hi Minty the same thing happened to my 13yr old neice, she was taken in by my eldest sister 10 months after my middle sister died because we were concerned her dad wasnt looking after her. It is an easy process as long as the parents are in agreement, they also qualified for financial help because they are in their 60's. If you go to cab they will help you or go to a soliciter. She is much happier and is well cared for now, nearly 2 years down the road. You willl get the family allowance and any other payments that are on offer.

[Marthaclematis]

Hi Minty.. if you go to Adoption UK Home there is a specialist fostering board where there are experienced foster carers who know the process inside out. Do not take social services word as gospel with regards to renumeration - one of their main aims is to save money. Get some proper legal advice and be prepared to call their bluff. I have been a foster carer and I know they are desperate to save every penny. Go to MESSAGE BOARDS and scroll down to FOSTER CARERS.

[Jax]

hi minty, I dont really know about foster caring but I just wanted to say it is a wonderful thing you are doing.