Making the decision to become a foster carer is a huge milestone, and it’s completely natural that your first thoughts are with your own family. You want to be absolutely sure that everyone in your home is looked after, supported, and happy throughout the journey. We completely understand that, and it’s exactly how it should be.
Your family is going to be the heart and soul of your fostering journey. Together, you’ll be opening your doors to provide a safe, warm, and loving space for a child who really needs it.
The Ups & Downs For Your Own Children
Of course, like any big life change, welcoming a foster child into your home brings its own set of unique challenges. It’s okay to acknowledge that! Your own children might find it a bit tough to share their toys, their space, or even your time at first. It can also be emotional for them when a child they’ve bonded with moves on to their next chapter. These feelings are entirely normal.
But fostering can also be incredibly rewarding for birth children. Over the years, we’ve seen so many children grow into deeply caring, empathetic, and kind individuals because of their experience with fostering. They learn what it means to be part of a real team, and they often make wonderful, lasting friendships with the children who come to stay.
We’re Here For Your Whole Family
Because your children play such an important role, we make sure they are never left out. Right from the start, during the application process, a friendly social worker will sit down with your children to chat about their thoughts and feelings, answering any questions they might have in a way they understand.
We want fostering to be a positive experience for everyone under your roof, which is why our support extends to your entire family. We offer:
- A direct line to support: Your children will always have easy access to your family’s supervising social worker whenever they need a chat.
- A community of peers: We connect your children with other young people in the area who are also part of a fostering family, so they know they aren’t alone.
- Support for older children: If you have adult children (over 18) living at home, they can attend our training sessions and support groups too.
- Time to recharge: We provide paid respite care for all our fostering families, giving you and the children in your care a little breathing space and a chance to recharge your batteries when needed.
We also love to celebrate the amazing contribution your own children make. They are a vital part of the fostering team, so we make sure to acknowledge their achievements and invite them along to plenty of fun organised activities and events.
Have A Question? Let’s Chat
If you are wondering how fostering might fit into your family dynamic, or if you just want to talk through your thoughts with someone who understands, we are always here for a chat.
Give our friendly fostering advisors a call on 0800 989 0135. There’s absolutely no pressure, just a warm welcome and answers to any questions you have.
