by admin | Jun 28, 2022 | Fostering
Why the fear of “getting too attached” shouldn’t stop you from fostering
I’d love to foster, but….
Our May blog aimed to address some of the common myths and buts that prevent people from applying to be foster carers. Now you may be thinking that fostering could be right for you and your family, but you still have concerns.
Our June blog discusses one of the biggest buts for many people … I’d love to foster, but I couldn’t say goodbye.
Throughout our June blog, we will explore why a fear of getting too attached shouldn’t deter you from fostering and why it may make you the perfect person.
When and why do foster children move on?
In some cases, fostering can turn into a permanent living arrangement.
However, most children leave foster care to return to their birth families, when the birth parents or their family members have received the support needed to enable them to provide a safe and stable home for their child.
Alternatively, some children may move on to another more permanent home, such as an adoptive family or permanent fostering home.
Children may reach the age of 18 when in your care and you may support them to move onto independent or supported living arrangements.
(NSPCC 2021)
How can I cope with saying goodbye?
Saying goodbye to a child who has become a part of your family will be hard and your emotions are valid and understandable. We are human and foster carers will and should form strong bonds with the children in their care.
Being concerned about getting too attached is not a hindrance, it’s an asset. Being able to build a strong attachment with a child will enable you to attune to their needs and help them to thrive when they’re with you and in the future.
People foster for many years and say goodbye to many children. Resilience will come with time and through the knowledge that you and your family made a positive difference to the life of the foster child.
Remember – you are not on your own!
Your support network will no doubt play an important part in your fostering journey. If you are in a couple, lean on each other. Reach out to friends. Talk to fellow foster carers about their experiences.
Your supervising social worker will also make sure that you are supported fully in both a practical and emotional sense, whether that involves training, taking a break or talking through your feelings.
“Do not let the fear of having a child that might leave deter us; instead let the fear of a child never knowing our love drive us” (Johnson 2022)
Let’s keep answering your concerns!
We would love to have the opportunity to support you through your fostering journey.
If you would love to foster but have those niggling questions or concerns, our friendly and approachable team are here to help- you won’t know until you ask!
You can reach us by email: info@brighterfostering.co.uk
Or by phone: 0113 350 9006 or 07368594169
by admin | Jun 1, 2022 | Fostering
Over the last few months, we have had the opportunity to connect with many people in the local communities of West Yorkshire through our recruitment events. We have been spreading the message about fostering and how rewarding it can be to provide a loving home for looked after children.
Despite this, there are many myths that still exist about fostering, so we wanted to take this opportunity in our May blog to bust the top 5 myths and answer your questions!
- I’d love to foster, but I’m too old (or young!)
You must be over 21 to foster; however, there is no upper age limit. If you are fit and well and you want to foster, age will not stop you!
Age brings with it life experience and knowledge that can support you in your fostering journey and help to provide a stable and loving home for foster children.
Equally, we have had younger people expressing their interest in fostering. Younger foster carers can make a career out of fostering and can often empathise easily with young people in care. Ultimately, each child is unique, as is each foster carer. If you are interested in fostering- do not let age stop you!
2. I’d love to foster, but I’m single
We know at Brighter Fostering that each family is unique! There is no requirement based on relationship status or marriage.
There are many single people that make fantastic foster carers.
If you are a loving, committed and caring person, who can support and meet the needs of a child or young person, then we want to hear from you!
3. I’d love to foster, but I work full time
Although fostering is a big commitment, with balance and planning, it is possible for you to continue your working life alongside fostering and people do successfully work and foster.
There are many different types of placements, for example you may wish to start as a respite carer and support a child for a period of 1 – 2 weeks when you have the time. If you’re work is flexible, we may be able to place an older, school age child in your care.
Fostering also comes with financial rewards, to support the child in your care and to reward you for your skills and expertise, so this may also help to compensate any time you take from your working life for fostering.
4. I’d love to foster, but I don’t have experience
Although you will need some experience with children and an understanding of what it is like to raise children; you do not need any childcare qualifications, work experience or children of your own to be able to foster.
Many people gain experience with children through helping to take care of their nieces and nephews, their friends’ children, or through voluntary work.
We will also support you to gain the skills and knowledge required for fostering in our mandatory skills to foster training. Remember, no one starts as an expert!
5. I’d love to foster, but I have my own children
Providing you have room in your home and your life for another child, then having your own young children can be a benefit! Research shows that fostering can enhance the lives of both foster and birth children.
Your current situation will be assessed to ensure that you will be able to care for a foster child without compromising the care of your own children.
The matching process will also ensure that any child or young person that comes to live with you is a good fit for all the family.
Now you know… what’s stopping you?!
If you want to become a foster carer and you feel you can provide a stable and loving home for a foster child, then please contact us!
The team at Brighter Fostering is committed to supporting you on your fostering journey and answering any questions or concerns you may have.
You can reach us by email: info@brighterfostering.co.uk
Or by phone: 0113 350 9006 or 07368594169
We look forward to hearing from you!
Recent Comments