Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

1. What is foster care?

Foster care comprises various support measures such as full-time care, standby care and voluntary guardianship, which serve to provide a safe and supportive environment for children and young people who are unable to grow up in their family of origin.

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2. Who can become a foster parent?
 

Anyone who is willing to take on responsibility and is up to the challenges of caring for foster children can become a foster parent. Important prerequisites are empathy, patience, stability and a willingness to cooperate with the youth welfare office.

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3. What are the differences between full-time care and on-call care?

 

• Full-time care is long-term care in which the child lives permanently in the foster family, usually until they reach the age of majority or longer.
• On-call care is temporary and takes place in acute crisis situations, e.g. if the family of origin is suddenly overwhelmed or the child's welfare is at risk. The care usually lasts from a few days to several months.

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4. What support do foster parents receive in the Börde district?

Foster parents receive comprehensive support from the Youth Welfare Office, including individual advice, regular training and financial support in the form of care allowances and grants. There are also networking opportunities and exchanges with other foster families.

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5. Who takes on the legal representation of children who have no contact with their biological parents?

Voluntary guardians take on the legal representation of children if their parents are unable to take on this responsibility for legal, health or personal reasons. The Youth Welfare Office supports the guardians by providing advice and further training.

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6. How are volunteer guardians selected and qualified?

Volunteer guardians go through a detailed application process that includes interviews, home visits and training. They are prepared for their tasks and receive ongoing support from the youth welfare office.

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7. What costs are covered by the Börde district for foster families and guardians?

Foster families receive foster care allowance, which covers the costs of accommodation and care for the children. Additional benefits such as allowances for medical treatment or special occasions such as school trips can also be applied for.

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8. What role does the youth welfare office play in the foster care system?

The Youth Welfare Office supports foster families, standby foster families and guardians by providing advice, training, support and arranging external help such as therapists or teachers. It is the point of contact for all matters relating to the care of foster children.

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9. How long does it take to place a foster child or guardian?

The duration of the placement varies depending on the individual case. In acute crisis situations, placement can take place quickly, whereas long-term solutions such as full-time care or guardianship require a longer process involving discussions and checks.

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10. Can the family of origin continue to have contact with the child?

Yes, as long as it is in the best interests of the child, attempts will be made to maintain contact with the family of origin. In this context, foster families work closely with the youth welfare office and other specialist agencies to ensure the child's welfare.

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11. What is the task of standby foster families?

On-call foster families provide short-term care for children who need to be taken out of acute crisis situations. They offer the children a safe transitional solution until long-term care is provided, e.g. full-time care or a return to the family of origin.

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12. How do I become a foster parent or volunteer guardian?

Interested parties can obtain non-binding information from the youth welfare office in the Börde district. After a consultation and an aptitude test, training courses are held to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge.