Fostering in Wales is regulated under a different law to fostering in England and the rights and entitlements of foster carers in Wales are different from those in England.
The Legal Framework
The legal framework for fostering in Wales is based upon the Children Act 1989 and the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 places a greater emphasis on the well-being of children and young people and ensures that their voice is heard when decisions are being made about their care. The Welsh Government guidance on foster care sets out the specific duties of local authorities in relation to assessing the need for foster care and promoting stability for looked after children.
The Assessment and Approval Process
Assessments in Wales are generally done in conjunction with a preparation course such as the Fostering Network’s Skills to Foster course. Then a home study is conducted by a social worker from the local authority or fostering agency. This report then goes to the Fostering Panel for your area. The Panel makes a recommendation to the fostering agency or local authority and then the agency or local authority then makes a decision. The whole process can take around 4-6 months.
Welsh Language and Cultural Identity
The Welsh Government places a legal duty on fostering services to consider a child’s Welsh language background when making a placement. Therefore, where a child who speaks Welsh at home is placed in a Foster Care, the fostering service will seek to place the child with a Foster Carer(s) who is able to support the child’s use of Welsh where this is their first language and is being spoken at home by their parent(s) and/or brother(sister(s). Additionally, Foster Carers are assessed on their awareness of the local culture(s) and how they would support a child’s cultural identity and needs in this respect. This does not mean that you have to be a Welsh speaker yourself but you must show an awareness of the language and culture(s).
Ongoing Training and Allowances
Foster carers in Wales are expected to receive ongoing training as part of their approval as foster carers. Also, the allowances that are paid by local authorities in Wales vary but generally include the cost of meeting a child’s daily needs. In addition, there are higher payments for children with additional needs. There is more on Foster Care Wales at //saferfostering.org.uk/foster-care-wales.
Knowing what foster care in Wales requires will put you in full knowledge before you start your journey!
