Are you interested in Fostering?
What is foster care?
Foster care is where a family or an individual cares for other people’s children in their own home. Some children will need care for just a few days, some for a few weeks, and a few for years. We don’t always know how long a child will need care. The type of fostering also depends on the age of the child, and if they have problems such as behavioral difficulties or a disability. The children generally keep in touch with their birth parent(s) and other family members.
Why children need foster care?
When children cannot live safely at home for many reasons, they come into the care of the Department for Child Protection and Family Support. Wherever possible, we place these children with relatives or someone close. When this isn’t possible, we consider fostering. Foster care provides a temporary, caring home while the parent and family members receive help. If possible, the children then return to live with their family.
Could I be a foster carer?
Foster carers are everyday people who like helping others, especially children. You can be male or female, single or couples, have children or not, work full or part-time, or be retired. What’s important is your maturity, health and lifestyle. You do need to be able to provide a safe, supportive home for a child who may be troubled or traumatised. You also need to be prepared to attend training and learn new skills.
We recognise that no two situations are the same and so when we look at a potential foster carer we will usually assess suitability on an individual basis. When doing this, it’s important for an applicant to provide as much information as possible so that we can make an informed decision as to who can foster. Here are some of the aspects we usually consider
Physical requirements” description=”This relates to your domestic situation and whether you have enough physical space in your home for another child to live comfortably with the family. For example, having a spare room for a foster child to call their own is extremely important. Young people and children need space, whether it’s to play, study or relax, this must be provided by a foster carer. Similarly, it’s important that a home is already harmonious and a family is warm and receptive to new members joining the dynamic.
A foster carer must have the skills and experience to deal with children and young people. This might mean they have cared for children in a professional capacity, or it might mean experience with their own children or those of friends and relatives. If you aren’t sure whether you have the required experience you can look at our page on” color=”yellow” icon=”icon-diamond
Circumstances” description=”When deciding who can foster it’s important to take into account people’s individual circumstances and whether they are in the right position to become a foster carer. This may mean being in a stable relationship, or simply having the skills and resources to provide a loving, stable environment to a child. We don’t see differences such as religion, marital status or sexuality as barriers to fostering however we will always put the child first and ensure the person would be suitably matched to a potential foster child.
If you’re new to fostering, find out more of what is fostering and what foster carers do to see whether fostering is for you. Fostering is not easy, you need to have the energy, patience and dedication to care. But it gives you the opportunity to make a huge difference to children’s lives.
