Some specifics…
Finances
We give you money each week to pay all of your costs for each child. We give you a weekly payment that is for you, and you get this for each child that you have placed.
Skills fees
Cheshire East has taken the decision to continue to pay skills fees to former foster carers so that no detriment is incurred for the duration of the Special Guardianship Order (SGO). We will determine the level of payment required (after deduction of income from universal or specific benefits) to maintain the fostering allowance at the rate received previously or otherwise agreed. This additional element of support is not means tested and will rise in line with the annual increase in fostering allowances.
Christmas, birthday and holiday allowances will continue to be paid for two years following the granting of the order, from the date this policy becomes effective.
Any enhancements that had been paid through our Children with Disability Scheme (disability) in relation to a child’s additional or specific needs will be paid for a transitional period of two years under Regulation 7 (The Special Guardianship Regulations 2005) and will then be reviewed to determine whether the additional support is still required.
The no detriment policy assures either temporarily approved foster carers, or those within assessment to consider SGO for the children, as opposed to being approved as foster carers, where appropriate. Prospective connected foster carers (or those temporarily approved under reg 24) are sometimes worried about SGO's due to the fact that in a lot of cases, they are already receiving payment if the child is in their care, and have worries about whether this would change, should they pursue an SGO. Having the no detriment policy takes away this barrier by ensuring that payments remain the same, if they have been fostering carers prior to becoming special guardians.
The impact of this is that more carers are encouraged and supported to pursue an SGO, meaning that more children are living with their family, or connected carers under an order, than being looked after children. Children benefit from being part of a more natural family unit, rather than having the stigma of being a ‘looked after child’ and there is less intrusion in their life. Foster carers feel more reassured that they will receive the same allowances, and this will not change.
If an SGO is being considered, then the allocated assessing social worker will discuss the SGO no detriment policy with the carer and explain what this means. If the carer has specific questions or queries about the SGO or the support offered, then there is opportunity to complete a visit with the SGO support team when needed. The financial support agreed within the SGO support plan and the prospective SGO carer is able to obtain a session of free legal advice, so they can be assured that the plan is robust, suitable and meets the child’s needs.
Training
We will provide you with the training that you need to be a great foster carer, both in person and online. We have a specialist therapeutic team for our cared for children and they will provide you with additional support for your placed children if it’s needed.
Your own Social Worker and Support Worker
You will have your own Supervising Social Worker and a Fostering Support Worker who will visit you regularly to guide and support you and build your confidence and skill, – you are definitely not on your own!
Therapeutic team
We have a therapeutic team who provide a service to some of our cared for children where there are identified difficulties. They can also provide advice and support to you to make sure that you are able to care for the child in the best possible way. We can access this team quickly on your behalf to make sure that you get the support that you and our children need, when you need it.
Foster Care Buddy
If you want to ‘buddy up’ with one of our experienced foster carers then we can arrange that – a great way of getting informal support and advice. You will become a member of the Fostering Network (a national charity) which provides guidance and information to foster carers as well as having lots of interesting fostering articles on their website.
Extra activities
We will provide support and activities for your own children, where they can meet other children from fostering families to reflect on and share their experiences. You will have loads of chances to meet with other foster carers and staff to share experiences, chat or just have a cup of tea.