Can I choose which age group to foster with a Walsall fostering agency?

The age range recorded at approval is agreed during the fostering assessment, rather than selected as an unconditional option. You can explain which ages you feel best equipped to care for, and the assessing social worker will consider whether that preference is consistent with your experience, skills, home life and the needs of children who may be placed with you.

Your preference may be discussed in relation to:

• your previous experience of caring for children or young people;
• your understanding of different stages of child development;
• the routines, supervision and practical care a child of a particular age may need;
• the impact a placement could have on other children or adults in your household;
• the space, sleeping arrangements and safety measures in your home; and
• your capacity to manage behaviours, health needs or emotional difficulties associated with some placements.

For example, caring for a very young child can involve frequent routines, close supervision and an understanding of early development. Caring for an older child or teenager may involve supporting education, independence, friendships, identity and preparation for adulthood. These are not fixed rules for every placement, but they illustrate why an agency looks beyond age when assessing suitability.

During the assessment, you should be open about the ages and circumstances you feel able to manage, as well as any situations you would find difficult. It is better to agree a realistic approval range than to choose a broad range simply to appear flexible. Your fostering panel will consider the assessment information, and the agency will set out the terms of approval that reflect your assessed capacity.

Training can help you understand the developmental needs of the age group being considered. It may cover subjects such as safeguarding, attachment, trauma, behaviour, safer caring and communication. You can use this training, along with discussions with your assessing social worker, to decide whether your initial preference remains appropriate before approval.

Age is also considered when a specific child needs a home. The agency should give you relevant information about the child, including their needs, background, relationships and any known risks, so that you can make an informed decision. You can ask questions about the proposed arrangements and should not feel obliged to accept a placement that does not fit your approval, household or ability to provide safe care.

Your preferences may change as your experience develops. If you later want to foster a different age group, this would normally need to be discussed with the agency and may involve further assessment, training, a review of your approval terms or consideration by the appropriate decision-making process. It is not an automatic change, because the agency must continue to establish that the proposed age range is safe and suitable.

When speaking to a Walsall fostering agency, useful questions include:

• Which age ranges are currently being considered for your assessment?
• How will your household circumstances affect the age range recommended?
• What training is available for the age group you are considering?
• What information will you receive before deciding whether to accept a proposed placement?
• How can you request a change to your approval in the future?

Choosing an age range is therefore a matter of matching your abilities and circumstances with the type of care a child needs. A clear, honest discussion at the enquiry and assessment stages gives the agency a sound basis for recommending an approval range that is practical for your household.