Find out if you could be a foster carer
In a few simple questions, you’ll know if you’re suitable to apply to become a foster carer.
A common question we are asked is whether it is ok to hire a babysitter. If for any reason, you need a break or you cannot look after a child for a short period of time, it’s logical to consider hiring someone, the same as you would for your own children. However, when it comes to foster children, it may not always be appropriate to leave them with a babysitter.
Here we’ll look at some of the considerations you need to take into account and the steps you should take before hiring a babysitter.
Firstly, is it ok to use a babysitter? Ideally, we’d advise against it but we do allow babysitters. If you can avoid using a babysitter, that would be the best option for the child; especially in the case of short-term foster care. However, if you’re a long-term foster carer we do understand there may be occasions where you need a night off. Whether you simply need the odd night off to spend with friends, or perhaps you want to undertake a new hobby, or an evening college course. Whatever the reason may be, it’s natural that there will be occasions where you need someone to look after your foster children for a short period of time.
The first thing you’ll need to do is talk to your social worker. They will be able to advise you on whether the child would be ok in the care of another adult. They will also let you know what steps you need to follow. For example, any babysitter you are thinking of hiring will have to go through a babysitter’s assessment, this involves a small assessment form and a DBS check. Every situation is different and as such our social workers will assess each situation on a case-by-case basis.
Whatever the situation, we are here to help and your dedicated social worker will talk everything over with you. If it’s a friend or family member that the child already knows and feels comfortable around, there shouldn’t be any issues, as long as the relevant checks are passed. There may be some other things to take into consideration if you plan to leave a child with a babysitter hired from elsewhere.
The health and wellbeing of your foster child is really important to us, so always contact your social worker to discuss your childcare options properly.
Many children who are placed into foster care have come from traumatic or unstable backgrounds, and it can upsetting enough for them to be placed into a strange home with people they do not know. Therefore, being left with a babysitter can be a really scary prospect for some children.
Whatever the situation, our team are on hand to help and support you and your foster child every step of the way.
If you could provide a safe and stable home to a vulnerable child please get in touch today.
