What is the difference between Fostering Agencies and Local Authorities?

All children in the care system are legally the responsibility of local authorities (councils). Initially, local authorities seek placements with their own foster carers. When a suitable match isn't found, they turn to private fostering agencies like Skylark Fostering. This is often because the child has complex needs or the local authority lacks carers in the right area.

What’s the difference between Fostering and Adoption?

Both fostering and adoption provide vulnerable children with safe, nurturing environments. However, they have fundamental differences. Fostering is usually temporary, with the goal of reunification with birth families, while adoption is a permanent legal transfer of parental rights. Understanding these distinctions can help you decide whether fostering or adoption is right for you.

What is the age range for becoming a foster carer?

There is no upper age limit for fostering; as long as you have the energy, dedication, time, and space to welcome a child, you could be a great foster carer. The minimum age requirement is 21 years. We welcome applications from individuals in their 20s and 30s, provided there is evidence of stability and security in their living arrangements.

What is the employment status of foster carers?

All foster carers must be registered as self-employed and are responsible for their taxes. Registering is straightforward and can be done online through HMRC. Foster carers can also qualify for the Qualifying Care Relief Scheme, which allows some payments to be tax free, potentially reducing annual tax liability. Skylark can offer further financial advice and guidance regarding all aspects of this.

Can I work full time and foster?

Children in foster care require stability due to their previous experiences. At Skylark Fostering, we stress the importance of a nurturing and stable environment. We expect our foster carers to be available to offer full-time, personalised care, which includes avoiding full-time daycare for young children and reducing dependency on before or after-school care for school-aged children. It's also worth noting that fostering can be a viable career choice; for instance, fostering two children with us can equate to an annual salary of around £60,000.

Can foster children share a bedroom?

Foster carers must have a spare room for fostering. Siblings of the same gender can share a room if it's large enough, but as children grow, they will need their own space. This consideration is discussed during initial planning and matching stages. Fostered children should not share a bedroom with your own child unless matched to you on a long-term basis and all parties (including the children!) are in agreement.

How will Skylark Fostering match a child to my family?

Our matching process ensures that potential foster families can meet the specific needs of children taken into care. We consider the preferences, lifestyles, and interests of the foster family, as well as their ability to meet the child’s needs. Through a thoughtful approach, we aim to create successful and resilient fostering arrangements.

Introducing Marie-Anne, Independent Panel Member

13 Aug

Written By Trish Kelly

Hi, I’m Marie-Anne, and I’m an Independent Youth justice consultant, and Independent Panel Member for Skylark Fostering.

I have been working in youth justice for over 20 years working predominantly with teenagers. People assume that I am at risk of their behaviours and that my role as an Independent Youth justice consultant is incredibly challenging.

Let me tell you about my experience of working with teenagers over the years. The children I work with are just that, they are children, children that have had complex childhoods and in addition to that they are navigating puberty, peer pressure, education mile stones and relationships.

Becoming a foster carer for teenagers will be challenging but no more challenging than fostering a young child, just challenging in different ways. Fostering a teenager doesn’t demand full time supervision as they are becoming independent and learning to navigate the world independently. They need your direction, your encouragement and your belief in them that they can make these decisions and life changes with you by their side as a guidance, reassurance and a person that gives them love and stability.

Children coming into care are vulnerable children whether they are new born or 17 years old. They all have their own story and teenagers are at a critical age where they need to be guided safely into the transition of adulthood or they may lose their way.

In 23 years of working with teenagers I have never felt at risk or out of my depth. The most complex and challenging child has shown respect and kindness towards me because I have been a significant person in their life that has given them what they have needed all of their life, guidance, stability, honesty and belief and hope that they can achieve their potential.

Teenagers do give their own sets of challenges but no different to challenges of each age and stage of development that every child gives you. The small wins keep you going and when you see the milestones achieved I guarantee you wont stop smiling.

If you have any questions, worries or concerns about fostering a teenager I am more than happy to talk those through. Remember you wont be doing this alone, you will a have team around you that can guide and support you the whole way.

Trish Kelly

Introducing Marie-Anne, Independent Panel Member

Buckets of Fun, Bags of Support