Holidays are a great way to bring a family together, share experiences, and escape the real world for a moment. However, if you’re a foster parent, you will need to check whether you’re allowed to and if you will have support while doing so.
Taking children on holidays introduces them to new cultures, builds socialisation skills, and increases confidence, which all help to enrich life. If you’re planning a holiday with your foster children, you need to consider the following.
Rules and Regulations
The government lays down minimum national fostering standards. Within this document, it says that “children can stay overnight, holiday with friends, or friends and relatives of the foster child”. However, this needs to meet the requirements of individual placement plans. Typically, a CRB check won’t be required for an overnight stay because you are the guardian, and their wellbeing is your responsibility.
On the surface, this makes it clear cut – you can take your foster child on holiday. However, you will need to assess each child’s plan, which complicates matters if you’re caring for more than one foster child. The best place to get clarity is through your agency, like thefca.co.uk, who will tell you everything you need to know.
Accommodation
As a foster parent, you’re required to provide a child with a separate bedroom, which means shared holiday apartments may not be acceptable. After you’ve got the green light to go on holiday, it’s best to liaise with their caseworker before you book any accommodation.
Home or Abroad
Heading on holiday in the UK is a great idea if you have foster children because their caseworker will never be too far away. However, some foster children will benefit from a holiday abroad. As long as you have all of the permissions and paperwork, you’re free to choose where the holiday takes place.
Holiday Expenses
Holidays are expensive and need to be factored into your family budget. That being said, many agencies increase their allowances over school holidays, which means you can provide unique experiences for children in your care. If you’re concerned with money, turn to your agency because you may be entitled to additional family break payments.
Keeping Foster Children Safe
Each foster child will have a different set of needs, which may limit the activities they can engage in. While you’re on holiday, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your foster child enjoys the activities. You may need to offer additional reassurance to put them at ease, especially if you’re heading abroad – take the time to explain different cultures and the reasons why you need to behave a certain way.
Alternative to Holidays
You may not get permission to take your child on holiday, but that doesn’t mean the summer holidays need to be boring. Turn your home into a staycation destination and plan a series of day trips, which you can spread out all summer.
Foster children’s lives will be enriched by family holidays, but you need to follow all regulations and check with their caseworker for any limitations.
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