Taking a foster child on holiday
As the world opens back up, holidays are back in the books. Holidaying with the whole family and your foster child(ren) can be extremely fulfilling and a great way to unwind from daily life. Carers are expected to include children in family holidays/activities to promote their sense of belonging and help them to feel like an integrated part of the foster family.
Making holiday plans with your foster children
If you’re making holiday plans with your foster children, or contemplating fostering in the future and want to know whether it’s feasible to take foster children on holiday with you, here’s what you need to know:
- Foster carers receive an annual holiday allowance for looked after children so they can take them on holiday in the UK and abroad.
- It is important to consult your Child’s Social Worker and Supervising Social Worker of any holiday plans – and you can plan together the best means for this holiday to take place. This should be your first port of call when holiday planning. The Child’s Social Worker and Supervising Social Worker would need to know relevant information about the holiday, such as the holiday destination, address, contact number to reach the carer on etc. Your social worker will be able to offer support and advice on taking your foster child on holiday, including support with the relevant paperwork required.
- The birth parents of the child/ren may also need to give their consent for a child to go on holiday, especially if it is overseas. The Child’s Social Worker is also responsible for approving this request as they are the child/ren social worker. They are also responsible for making the passport application where this is required.
- Remember, before you book, ensure you have written confirmation from your social worker allowing the foster child to go on the holiday.
If you’re not able to take a holiday with your foster child for whatever reason, you can still make sure they have lots of fun this summer by planning some day trips.
Sharing holiday time with foster children can be very fulfilling but it’s also important to remember that when you work hard at any job, you do need to take a break. With this in mind, you may want to consider seeking some respite foster care to allow yourself the opportunity to rest and recuperate too.
Get in touch
For more information about foster care holidays, get in touch with a member of our expert team:
Email
fosteringrecruitment@haringey.gov.uk
Telephone
0208 489 3754