Benefits of Long-Term Fostering
It is a great way to build a family
One unique benefit that you will get for fostering a child is building a family. Long-term fostering commits you to care for a child, thus, making you a committed family person. There is fulfilment in building a family for which you are responsible.
In addition, you also allow the foster child to grow in a stable family environment. The child will develop a sense of permanency, belonging, and stability if you foster them for an extended period, maybe running into their adulthood.
It offers financial security
Of course, the money that you receive from fostering agencies is not the primary motivation to foster a child. However, fostering is a career on its own that can help you build a sense of financial security. Long-term fostering offers an assured income for a long period. You also enjoy other financial benefits like tax waivers.
Continuous support
You will receive continuous support and training to become a better foster carer when you opt for long-term fostering. You can enhance your fostering skills and make a good career out of it.
Path to adoption
Long-term foster carers can easily adopt the foster children if an adoption chance arises. You will be given priority because of the long-term commitment that you have to the foster child.
Lastly, it is noble
Never forget, the core reason for fostering is to provide shelter and a homely environment to vulnerable children and young people. Fulfilling this noble human duty is the biggest benefit that you have as a committed long-term foster carer.
Drawbacks of long-term fostering
There are a couple of reasons that could dissuade you from engaging in long-term fostering. They all revolve around the following issues:
Trauma and impact on behaviour
Something to consider when thinking about long-term fostering is that you will be caring long term for children who have experience trauma, which may affect their behaviour and ability to trust adults. You will need to have resilience and patience. You will however, have on going 27/7 support from the fostering agency and the child’s Local Authority.
Connecting with birth parents
It is also challenging to keep in touch with birth parents if there is a strained relationship between the foster child and the birth parents. The law expects you to be a link between all the parties present in the foster child’s life, thus, you will have to endure this challenge.
But this is not a common problem in all long-term foster care arrangements. Social workers are often there to make your work easier when linking the child to the birth family.
Verdict
Long-term fostering can be challenging – that is a fact. However, the benefits that you get from this arrangement are way more than the challenges that you will face. Furthermore, you are not just benefitting alone, the foster child will also enjoy the benefit of living in a stable family environment.
Let us know if you are ready to discuss potential commitments to become a long-term foster carer. We will guide you through the way and discuss all the pros and cons to help you understand what long-term fostering entails.
Horizon Fostering is one of the leading London Fostering agencies that specialise in placing children with good foster carers or families. Our services include middle-ofthe-night placements, emergency placements, and the long-term fostering of children. Contact us today for more information on foster care.
