Who can foster

Foster carers come from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life. They are ordinary people who like children and have a genuine interest in their welfare. They have the time and space to look after them. 

We are looking for foster carers from all walks of life. This includes people who are: 

• Single, married, divorced. 
• Any sexual orientation. 
• Experienced in looking after children, but don't need to be parents. 
• From any cultural background. 
• Aged over 21  - there is no upper age limit. 
• Home owners, or in stable rented accommodation. 
• Able to do lots of things. 

Important qualities of a foster carer -   

• You enjoy the company of children. 
• You have an acceptance of children who are likely to be different to your own. 
• You have empathy and accept the reasons the child is in foster care.    
• You are able to be open-minded and non-judgemental about a child’s birth parents. 
• You are a good listener and have the time to sit down with a child when they wish to talk. 
• You accept that it could take time for a child to respond to you and may not be as appreciative as you would expect. 
• You can accept that some of our children have been through significant trauma. 
• You have a sense of humour. 
• You can accept that a foster child is not your own and will likely move on. 

Role of a Foster Carer 

• In addition to the care, support and guidance you would provide you would also need to: 
• Make sure the child is fed and clothed.
•  Help them understand the need for making healthy eating choices and taking exercise.
• Provide guidance on personal presentation, hygiene and looking after themselves.
• Encourage with schooling and homework.
• Ensure the child attends health appointments.
• Attend meetings at the school, including parents’ evenings.
• Attend and contribute at the child’s 'cared for' review meetings and Personal Education plan meetings. A supervising social worker gives support with these.
• Give lifts to school to keep up with educational attainments and maintain friendships. This depends on the age of the child and the location of the school.