Parenting
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ostering involves opening up your home to a child or young person; it requires a safe environment that facilitates development and support for vulnerable individuals. Even though some may think foster care is not for everyone—as there are challenges that nearly all carers must face—it can bring joy and bountiful rewards, too.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS If you are interested in fostering a child, contact your council in order to kick-start the process. Some local councils use fostering agencies to place children; in such cases, you can contact the agency in your area directly. The council or agency will proceed to collect your information; this may be obtained through a visit to your home by a fostering advisor. You will be required to undergo a full background check known as the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Experts will assess your suitability by investigating your health, work history, past relationships, home safety and various other personal details. You will also be required to attend a pre-approval course designed to educate you on the foster system and introduce you to current carers. Applications can take between four and six months to complete.
to be independent. There are other specialised forms of foster care such as disability and complex care, mental health, child sexual exploitation, therapeutic care and parent and baby. Each field requires a specialised skillset and experience—some foster agencies provide training for these upon request. Age and marital status govern your application. Just as there is diversity in foster children, foster parents also need to come from a variety of backgrounds. All foster care applicants are required to be at least 21 years of age, but being young shouldn’t hinder your chances of success. Although single individuals will be given the same consideration as couples, they will need to demonstrate a strong network of support around them.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
All parents of foster children are abusive. Children and young adults enter the care system for a number of reasons. While abuse is an explanation for some cases, it is certainly not the only one. Before a child is put into your custody, a social worker will fully brief you about their previous circumstances. While it can be hard not to feel resentment or pass judgment on neglectful parents, this will not improve the situation. Instead, work to provide a safe place and a positive example for the individual in your care.
There is only one way to foster. There are several forms of fostering; these will vary in suitability depending on your home situation, level of foster experience and personal attitude. Short-term fostering is designed for temporary placements where the individual is awaiting the confirmation of future plans. Long-term fostering is usually pre-planned and involves a child or young person put in the care of a stable family until they are ready
All foster children are badly behaved. Not all children in foster care behave badly. They do, however, require additional understanding and attention. Foster children have usually experienced some degree of hardship; being taken away from their parents and passed between carers can take its toll. This can sometimes amount to displays of destructive behaviour. It is often after a child becomes
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more comfortable that their conduct begins to soften. Your social worker will advise you on which children and behaviour types will thrive in your company. Making a real difference to a vulnerable child’s life can be supremely rewarding and beneficial. Moulding young minds and showing them the difference between right and wrong are just some of the ways you can help young individuals in the foster care system. hc
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There are several characteristics that a foster parent should embody: ✎ Good communication Keeping the lines of communication open with your social worker is key for managing expectations or disclosing any growing concerns. ✎ Understanding Demonstrating understanding will help you to earn the trust of your foster child. ✎ Patience Most foster children need time to adjust and relax in their new environment, be patient. ✎ Perseverance Fostering can be challenging; juggling the expectations of your family and foster child requires perseverance.
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