According to The Fostering Network, there are nearly 70,000 children in care, with almost 55,000 living with foster families. The Fostering Network estimates that a further 7,200 foster families are needed in the next 12 months alone, to ensure all fostered children can live with the right family for them.
Foster carers have the ability to make a life changing difference to the lives of children in their local area. You might be surprised to learn that no formal qualifications are needed to become a foster parent.
If you have a spare bedroom, are over the age of 21 and have UK citizenship or indefinite leave to remain, you meet the basic requirements needed to become a foster carer. Of course, there are more factors that need to be considered first.
Let’s dive into the reasons why you should become a foster carer.
You want to make a difference:
By becoming a foster carer with Family Care, there is no doubt that you will make a difference to the lives of the young people who come into your care. By providing a safe and stable family environment, you will be able to help local children who may be having a difficult time. Your care and support can help them heal and thrive from any abuse, trauma or neglect they might have experienced.
You have recently become an empty nester:
With grown children who have left the home, you may have a stable and supportive environment to offer foster children. Fostering as an empty nester can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. As an empty nester, you may have the time, resources, and emotional capacity to provide support and care to children in need. You likely have parenting experience and the wisdom that comes with it. This experience can be valuable when caring for foster children who may have unique needs or challenges.
For personal growth and fulfilment:
Fostering offers opportunities for personal growth and fulfilment. It challenges you to develop new skills, enhance your empathy, and navigate various situations. At Family Care, we work therapeutically with children and young people, and we believe this is cornerstone of successful childcare.
To achieve this, we use therapeutic approaches underpinned by The Secure Base model. As a foster carer with Family Care, you will receive training and resources on this model, that you will then practice in your home with the young people in your care. This might be a new way of working for you, and that’s completely ok! We believe that this contributes to your personal and professional growth as a foster carer.
You want a new career:
Fostering can be both a rewarding and challenging career for individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and families. At Family Care, we see our foster carers as professionals, and we believe they should be treated this way. Foster carers deserve to feel valued and appreciated for their hard work. We are committed to providing ongoing support and recognition to our carers, because we understand that their dedication and care make a real difference in the lives of young people.
In return for their hard work and dedication to making a difference to children’s lives, we offer a number of benefits and rewards to our foster carers. These include:
– Two weeks-annual leave
– Foster carer long service rewards
– 24/7 support from a Supervising Social Worker (SSW)
– Refer a friend scheme (£1,500)
– Fully funded training
– Support groups with fellow foster carers
Could You Be a Foster Parent?
The shortage of foster carers in the UK greatly affects vulnerable children.
This can result in children being placed far from their loved ones and being separated from their siblings, as well as their school and friends.
Did you know that historically, 70-80% of foster placements have been within 20 miles of the child’s home? While this benefits many children who can maintain their school and friendship groups, it also means that 20-30% of placements are further away.
For children coming to live with our foster families at an average age of 10, a change of school is often inevitable. However, we are dedicated to finding families in local areas with high demand to minimise disruptions.
If you live in the Northwest or the Midlands and are interested in exploring becoming a foster carer, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Read about our application process here.
Get in touch with us by completing our short inquiry form online or call us at 0800 5 677677.
There is no obligation for anything more than a chat.
Start Your Fostering Journey Today
Embarking on the journey of fostering is a significant decision that can profoundly impact your family and the life of a young person in need.
By preparing yourself, choosing the right time and place for conversations, and approaching the topic with openness and honesty, you can foster a supportive and understanding environment.
Addressing concerns, sharing resources, seeking professional guidance when needed, and showing patience and understanding are essential steps in navigating this process together.
Family Care understands the importance of support for foster carers and is committed to providing the necessary assistance throughout this incredible journey.
With our dedicated team by your side, you can begin this fulfilling experience knowing that help and guidance are just a call away.
Together, you can make a positive difference in a child’s life, creating a loving and nurturing home that will leave a lasting impact.