Frequently Asked Questions - Fostering

Q. Are all of the children cared for within Romania?

A. Yes. RICF believes the best place for Romanian children to be brought up is within Romania. 

Q. How much does it cost per month for a child to be cared for in a foster placement?

A. Approximately £165 ($310) per month. If the placement is successful, then the foster mother’s employment will be taken over by the state after 3 months, and the cost of the placement to RICF from then on will reduce to the cost of the food allowance, and allowance for clothing, medical supplies, school supplies etc. This is about £80 ($145) per month. Follow the link to contribute towards the cost for one child being cared for in a foster placement.

Q. Are all of the foster families Romanian?

A. Yes, in order to bring children up within their own culture, we employ Romanian foster families. Where possible we aim to also match children to families of the same ethnicity.

Q. What happens if you can’t find a suitable foster family for a child?

A. Sometimes it can be difficult to find a suitable family, particularly for brothers who we always try to place together, or where a child has particular preferences. Also, it is more difficult to find foster families willing to take on older children who are already 15 years old when they arrive at Acasa. Until a suitable family is found, the child is cared for at Acasa.

If the young person reaches 18 and no foster family has been found, then an individual plan is worked out with him, to help him towards independent living. Sometimes this can involve living as a paying tenant or living with or near relatives who could not care for him as a child, but who may be able to give him some support as a young adult.  

See frequently asked questions on other topics.