Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What support do we get from Hillcrest?
A. 24 hour support from your own local social worker, seven days a week plus visits from your social worker at least every 3 weeks. In addition to this we phone every week, attend meetings with carers and offer regular support groups.

Q. What if we need a break?
A. Hillcrest provides 2 weeks paid respite every year so that carers get a break away from fostering and a chance to spend quality time with their own families. If a child is particularly demanding additional respite can be arranged.

Q. Do we get paid?
A. Our foster carer payments and terms and conditions are reviewed each year. Carers are paid a ‘fee’ element which is their pay and a ‘maintenance’ element which is expected to be used for the child placed. Fee and maintenance payments are banded according to the age of the child. Please see inserts at the back of this brochure.

Q. What if we do not have a placement?
A. Carers are generally paid only when they have a child in placement, however once they have been fostering for Hillcrest for 3 months, they are eligible for a weekly retainer payment when vacant for up to 12 weeks a year.

Q. What training are we offered?
A. Hillcrest offers a comprehensive annual training programme for foster carers after they are approved. There is usually at least one training opportunity every month. Foster carers are also encouraged to undertake NVQ training if they wish. In addition to this, specialist training is offered when required, for example, working with children who have rare medical conditions. We also provide training courses in managing behaviour for specific groups of carers.

Q. How are children placed?
A. Hillcrest receives referrals from at least 45 Local Authorities. These Local Authorities contact Hillcrest when their own Fostering services are at full capacity or when they do not have foster carers available to meet the specific needs of a child or young person. Hillcrest receive details about the child or young person and match those with carers they may have with vacancies and having discussed the proposed placement with the carers before putting those carers forward. Any particular negotiations and plans are completed with the support of a Hillcrest Social Worker.

Q. How long will the assessment process take?
A. From the point of completing the “Skills to Foster” course, the Form F assessment will take on average 3-6 months depending on the applicant’s availability and the complexity of their family makeup and life history.

Click here to apply online to become a Fostercarer