Being a foster carer
Foster carers offer a home to local children and young people while their own parents are unable to look after them. They provide the same kind of care as a good parent.
As a foster carer, you are not trying to replace a child's parents. You are helping to reunite the family, where possible, by working with us and the child's family.
There are many different types of foster care. You can be involved for a few hours or a few years – it's up to you. If you're committed to helping, then we'll find something that works for you.
Benefits of being a foster carer
There are many benefits of being a foster carer such as:
- making a difference to a child's life
- helping others
- enjoying having children in your life
- the satisfaction of nurturing and caring for a child
- the opportunity to share your valuable parenting or life skills
- teaching your own family to give and share with others
Things to consider
When thinking about becoming a foster carer, you should to consider:
- the child and age group you would be able to care for
- whether you have space in your home
- your working pattern and arrangements
- who is around to help you, such as family, friends, baby-sitters
- whether you are prepared for your life to change
- how the other the people in your home would feel about fostering
- if you have a partner, how they would adapt and whether they ready to support you
- how you would react if you found it hard to communicate with the foster child
- how you would respond to a child's demands for attention, affection or reassurance
- how you would react to a child who was careless with things you value
We will make sure you receive the help and support you need in making a wonderful difference to a child's life.