The UK’s shortage of foster carers has been keenly do unwanted and advertised in the media, but according to one of the UK’s foster agencies, Compass Community, ignorance about fostering is hindering efforts to combat the issue.
More than half the mums surveyed on the Netmums website thought they would receive less than £5,000 a year for fostering a child, and nine out of 10 thought they would receive less than £15,000. The real figure is actually £20,000-40,000 a year depending in the needs of the child (disabilities etc).
Compass Community Chief Executive Ian Pigden-Bennett said this lack of knowledge could be one reason why there aren’t enough people are coming forward foster children. “Four out of five mums who took part in the survey say they are or may be interested in fostering at some point in the future.
“But there’s something stopping them taking that next step. It could be because they don’t realise what they could earn or, indeed, who is eligible. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds, whether single or a couple, yet two fifths mistakenly believe single people are not allowed to foster”
“What’s important to us is that we match the child to the right foster carer or family who can provide them with a loving and caring home. We’re looking for people who can give a child a childhood.”
The survey also highlighted a number of other myths – 1 in 3 people thought it would take longer than two years to go through the fostering process. However, the actual average time from applying to a fostering agency and being accepted is between four to six months.
Nine out of 10 mums surveyed accurately highlighted that you must have a spare bedroom and be aged 21-plus to foster, though there was mixed knowledge about other requirements, including false assumptions that you must own a property, have a driving licence, have childcare qualifications or have children of your own.
Worryingly, this survey shows how little potential foster carers know and it highlights how many are being put off as they assume the process to get approved is too hard. While there is currently a shortfall of 9,000 foster parents in the UK, these myths could be hindering people to apply.
For further information and survey results, visit www.compasscommunity.co.uk
