Find out about the different types of fostering

Have you ever thought about fostering but cannot commit full-time?  Do you think you can be an out of hours foster carer?

Roles and responsibilities

• Foster carers on the weekly rota will be asked to be available to provide an emergency care arrangement and care for any child/young person who is considered suitable for fostering.
• Where you have particular commitments, Out of Hours foster carers can commit for part of the week rather than the full week.
• The expectation is that the out-of-hours foster carer will provide care for the child/young person until the start of the next working day.
• Out-of-hours foster carers will be expected to supervise children placed on an emergency basis and to not be left unsupervised with any other child/ren in the household.
• In some circumstances, a child/young person may need an out-of-hours care arrangement as no other foster carer could be identified during the working day.
• If on the next working day, the child/young person still needs an out-of-hours fostering arrangement, you may be approached to provide care for a subsequent night, which will be at your discretion.

In return, the scheme offers

• A retainer payment of £350 per week, or pro rata, whilst you are on the rota and available to be contacted for children needing out-of-hours care. 
• Fees and allowances for any child/young person for the time they have been in your care. 
• As an Out of Hours carer, you will receive £350 as holiday pay, once you have completed a year on the rota.
• Full initial and ongoing training.
• Dedicated support.
• Access to our 24/7 emergency telephone support service manned by a member of the Fostering Service.

If you want to find out more about fostering with Coventry including the different types of fostering arrangements, please give the team a ring on 024 7683 2828 or visit – www.coventry.gov.uk/fostering.