Fostering today
Foster care in the 21st century is very different and the reasons for children or young adults being placed in foster care are much more complex and rarely for any single isolated reason.
There may be, for example, a history of medical or psychiatric problems, child abuse or neglect, alcohol or drug dependence. These difficulties combined with such factors as unemployment, mental disability, lack of family support, poor housing or lack of housing, can be the cause of children or young people coming into care.
This happens in one of two ways, the parents may approach the relevant health authority and Voluntary care for the child/ren may be the agreed solution to the difficulties, either on a long or short term basis. The other route into the care system is through the Courts. Where it appears to a health authority that a child/ren in it's area need care and protection, then that health authority may apply to the Courts for a Care Order. Entry of a child/young person into care is either planned or as an emergency.
When a child/young person comes into care in a planned manner, the Fostering Social Worker looks to the child/young persons extended family to see if the young person could be placed with relatives. Approximately 32% of children/young people in care today are in relative care, i.e. living with grandparents, aunts, uncles or other family members.
Every young person in care should have a Care Plan.
It is advisable to have and be familiar with the National Standards for Foster Care 2003.