What you need to do for the
child/children, as a private foster carer
Education
If the child you are
fostering is of school age you need to discuss plans for their
education before the placement starts.
It is best if you and the
parents visit the school before the placement starts so you
can:
- Give the name and address of the child's previous school(s) so that school records can be transferred
- Discuss directly with the school the child's background and educational needs. Racial, cultural and linguistic needs should also be considered
- Discuss how long the child will be at the school, admission dates, parents' evenings etc.
It is important that you
pass on to parents' school reports and information about the
child's progress.
In some cases when the
child concerned had been living abroad for a period of time they
may need to have a medical examination before their entry into
school. Children do not need to have the medical
if any of the following apply:-
- The child has been abroad for less than six months
- The child has been living in a country which is a member of the European Union (EU);
- The child's parents are serving members of HM forces
Health
It is important that you get as much information as possible
about the child's medical history. The parents should:
Tell you about any illnesses or
allergies
- Give you the details of the child's last GP
- Give you any immunisation or other personally held medical records
Private foster
carers should:
- Keep a medical record for each child
- Update and store any medical information during the placement
- Inform the parents and discuss any treatment with them before it takes place
During the placement the
child's parents retain all parental
responsibilities. It is possible for a parent to
delegate some responsibilities to another adult, but they will need
to record this in writing
Finance
Any financial arrangement
is made between you and the parents, we do not become involved in
this.
If you are claiming any
benefits, including Child Benefit, you will need to tell the
Benefits Office that you have a private foster
child. You should also let them know about any
money you receive for private fostering.
For benefits advice
please contact Nottinghamshire Welfare Rights Service,
Tel: (0115) 977 4018.