Criteria for new applicants:

1.     Demonstrate competence in looking after children of all ages especially over 8 years of age
2.     Have spare bedroom that will provide privacy for a child/ young person
3.     Demonstrate a genuine concern for the child/ young person’s welfare
4.     Realise that looking after a child or a young person who has a history of abuse or neglect is very different to looking after their own children.
5.     Show understanding of the effects of all types of abuse
6.     Understand that it might take the foster child some time to settle and accept you
7.     Be able to deal with child/ young person and his/ hers emotional and behavioural problems
8.     Must be able to provide the child/ young person with a homely environment and encourage them to see and use their strengths in a positive way.
9.     Provide an environment that will help the child/ young person to develop and grow by concentrating on such areas as their health , education identity, self-care and preparation skills
10.   Encourage the child’s / young person’s capacity for growth and self-fulfilment
11.   Show an interest in the child/ young personal accomplishment, however small
12.   Teach the child/ young person how to be resilient even though they have had negative and harmful experiences.
13.   Be able to accept support and enter into a supportive relationship with the agency, other professionals and foster carers
14.   Attend training to learn how to deal with all aspects of caring.(It is mandatory to attend 3 day initial training course and 5 training courses a year once you are approved)
15.   Demonstrate your ability to work in partnership
16.   Be flexible and available to provide school runs, attend meetings and stay at home with a child when required.

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