What is fostering?
Fostering is a way of caring for a child or young person in your own home at a time when their parents/family are unable to do so. Foster carers can be sole carers or a couple. Foster carers play a vital role in providing fostering placements in safe, secure and stable environments.
A fostering placement may come about for many different reasons. Fostering may be required because the parents are going through a difficult period, or perhaps the child has been abused or neglected. The reason for a child or young person being fostered is rarely related to themselves, and in the end many will return to their birth families and own communities following a fostering placement.
Alternatively, some children and young people fostered may continue to receive long term support, either though a long term fostering placement, adoption, or through being helped to live independently.
Foster care placements can last for varying durations of time, from days to years.
Is fostering for me?
When considering fostering a child or young person, it’s important to understand the many complex requirements that fostering brings. Of course, you need to like children and understand the complex needs and behaviours they can display. We also advise that the following qualities may help if you’re thinking of fostering with Fostering People:
- stamina
- humility
- courage
- warmth
- humour
- resilience
- patience
- forgiveness
- open mindedness
If you need more information or guidance about fostering then don’t hesitate to contact us. We will give you an honest picture of the likely challenges that fostering a child may bring to your life – and the lives of those closest to you. We can also arrange for you to speak to one of our current foster carers.
Things to consider if you’re thinking of fostering
If you’re thinking of fostering, there are a few logistical requirements that Fostering People foster carers need to satisfy.
- A spare bedroom for the incoming child will be vital to ensure they will have their own space and privacy
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The main carer cannot expect to manage a full time job and be a professional foster carer; you simply won't have the time or the energy. Contact Fostering People for further information about fostering as a full time job.
Fostering facts
Did you know?
- There are approximately 70,000 children and young people in care.
- There is currently a shortage of as many as 10,000 foster carers in the UK.
If you would like further information about becoming a foster carer with Fostering People, please complete the enquiry form and a member of our team will contact you shortly. Alternatively, call our freephone number 0800 077 8159 to register your interest in fostering.
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