Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the carers?| Who can apply? | Why Foster? | What is the process? | Carer support | FAQ

1. What is the difference between regular foster care and TimeWise [Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC)]?
 Regular foster care is for children of any age who are unable to be cared for by their parents for a variety of reasons. It is usually organised through the Social Work Departments of the Local Health Offices of the Health Services Executive (HSE). TimeWise is a unique and specialist fostering service for young people aged between 11 and 18 who have had a lot of difficulties in their lives and their behaviour can be at times hard to manage. It is partnership between the Daughters of Charity Child and Family Service and the HSE.  MTFC is an intensive model which supports the child, their foster carers and their birth family in changing the child’s behaviour over a period of 6-9 months.

2. Who benefits from Time Wise Fostering?
 The young people who access TimeWise are from North Dublin, aged between 11 and 18 and for various reasons cannot live with their family. It is agreed by those who care for them that they can make positive changes in their lives with the right help and support. The TimeWise Programme provides a wraparound service for the young person, foster carers and their birth family. Young people are supported to enter and  engage fully with it so that they can achieve successful outcomes.

3. Do I have to be at home full time to be a TimeWise Foster Carer?
There is always at least one adult at home on a fulltime basis committed to being fully available for the young person and working with all involved in the young persons life.
TimeWise Foster Carers are an integral part of the professional team and a generous training allowance is paid to reflect this. Regular planned respite is also provided to all TimeWise Foster carers and if you are not able to make a fulltime commitment, foster carers are also needed on a part time basis to provide respite support (short term planned breaks) to fulltime foster carers.

4. How long will the young person stay with me?
 To implement the MTFC model it is necessary for a young person to live with you for 6 to 9 months. Following this time it is envisaged that they will be in a position to move home or to long term foster care.

5. Can I foster a baby or a toddler? 
 TimeWise is designed for young people aged between 11 and 18 years. However, if you are interested in fostering younger children, you can contact your local HSE Fostering Team.

6. How much will I know about the young person before they are placed with me?
 A lot of emphasis is placed on matching the young person with the most suitable foster carers. Before a young person is placed with you we will provide you with as much information about the young person and their background as possible, including strategies to manage difficult behaviour.

7. What sort of support will I get if I’m finding it difficult to cope?
 You will have ongoing support from the TimeWise staff members as well as from other Foster Carers. You will not be expected to cope on your own and you will be able to contact a member of the TimeWise team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will have daily contact with a member of the team as well as attending weekly meetings. You will also have regular planned breaks called respite.

8. How much allowance will I receive per week and how is this decided?
 The basic payment provided to foster carers is €319 per week per child under 12 years, and €346 per week per child over 12 years.  As well as this TimeWise foster carer are paid an additional training allowance of €346 per week for their participation as part of a team in supporting a young person placed with them. At this time Foster Carers do not pay tax on allowances paid for fostering.
 

9. If I apply to become a TimeWise Foster Carer how soon will a young person be placed with me?
 Once we have received your application form we will then complete your statutory checks and begin the assessment process. This process can take between 3-4 months. If you are approved as a Foster Carer by the placement committee you will then be trained in the MTFC model, and a young person can be placed with you.

10. What sort of training will I get to be a foster carer?
The first part is a 'Foundations for Fostering' training course which takes place over three days at a convenient time and location. During the course, you will be given information about the assessment process and about fostering.  
The second part occurs following the completion of the assessment process and provides you with more detailed information on the fostering task.
Finally, prior to the placement of a young person the foster carers will receive training on the MTFC model.
While you may have learned a lot during the training as indicated above, the reality of being a foster carer may raise additional questions and challenges.  Therefore we continue to provide our foster carers will training throughout their time as TimeWise Foster Carers

11. If I have a previous conviction can I still apply to be a MTFC Foster Carer?
A previous criminal conviction would not necessarily disqualify you from fostering; it would depend upon the nature of the conviction and when it occurred. As we undertake Garda checks early in the application process, we would ask you to discuss any convictions with us as soon as possible. This information would remain confidential at all times.