Inside: 7 Things to Consider Before You Foster. Collaborative post.
There is currently a national shortage of foster carers in England and Wales. Compass Fostering believe that every child deserves the care and warmth needed to give them a bright future. Our foster carers are normal people who do brilliant things every day.
Becoming a foster carer is an extremely rewarding role that involves a lot of dedication and commitment. Below are 7 things you need to consider when you think about becoming a foster carer.
1. Age and Legal Status:
You must be at least 21 years old and have permanent leave to remain in the UK. If you are thinking about fostering with a partner, they need this too.
2. Health and Fitness:
Foster carers need to be in good physical and mental health to provide the care and support that children need. You will be required to have a fostering medical check-up to confirm that you are fit to foster.
3. Home Environment and Spare Room:
You need to have a safe and stable home environment that is suitable for children. Your home will be assessed to ensure that it meets the necessary standards, including providing a bedroom for your foster child.
4. Experience and Skills:
While previous experience with children is not a requirement, it can be beneficial. Many people who don’t have their own birth children are fantastic foster parents. Foster carers need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, be able to work with children and families from diverse backgrounds, and be committed to ongoing learning and development.
5. Background Checks:
You and any adults living in your household will be required to undergo criminal background checks like a DBS, and other relevant checks to ensure that you are suitable to work with vulnerable children.
6. Training:
You will be required to undergo training to prepare you for the role of a foster carer during your assessment. This training will cover topics such as child development, managing challenging behaviour, and legal and policy frameworks.
7. Support Network:
Foster carers need to have a strong support network, including family, friends, and professional support services, to help them manage the challenges of caring for vulnerable children. Compass offer wrap-around support for our foster carers, but it’s always important to have friends and family to have as emotional support.
Each if these considerations are important and will help you toward being approved to be a foster carer. While rules may vary depending on if you decide to foster with a local authority or independent agency, these are all required across each service.