Connected Persons Fostering
When a child becomes looked after by the local authority, they must be cared for by approved foster carers. This can happen with the agreement of the child’s parents (under section 20 of the Children Act 1989) or through a court order, such as a Care Order.
Wherever it is safe and appropriate, Lincolnshire County Council will prioritise placing children within their family or close friendship network. This means that if you are a relative or friend who can offer a safe home, you may be considered as a connected persons foster carer.
Assessment process
If you are identified as a possible carer, we will carry out a viability assessment. This looks at whether you are able to provide safe and suitable care for the child during a further period of assessment.
If the viability assessment is positive, you will then complete a full fostering assessment to become approved as a foster carer for that child. In most cases, you will be able to care for the child under temporary approval while this assessment is completed.
You will need to be approved as a foster carer for the specific child or children you are caring for, whether the care arrangement is:
- short term, for example while court proceedings are ongoing, or
- long term, potentially until the child reaches adulthood.
Support available to connected persons foster carers
In Lincolnshire, connected persons foster carers receive the same practical and financial support as all other foster carers.
This includes:
Financial support
A fostering allowance is paid to all foster carers.
Staying Put
Staying Put arrangements allow young people to remain living with their foster carers after their 18th birthday, helping them make a supported transition into adulthood.
Professional support
You will be allocated a Supervising Social Worker, who will visit you regularly and provide ongoing advice and support. You will also have access to education advice and support from the Virtual School.
Training
You will have access to training provided by the Lincolnshire Fostering Service, as well as partner training through the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) and Kinship Compass.
Memberships
Once approved, you will receive membership to The Fostering Network, which offers additional advice, guidance and resources. You will receive details by email on how to access this support.
Placement support
You may also receive support from a placement support worker. This can include help with:
- understanding developmental trauma and attachment
- identifying and managing triggers and de-escalating behaviour
- using the PACE approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy)
- other areas tailored to the needs of you and the child.
You can find more information about fostering in Lincolnshire, including access to the foster carer portal, on the Lincolnshire Fostering Service website.