Have You Ever Thought About Foster Caring ?

Have you ever thought about foster caring ?

 

This is not a question you hear every day, nor is it a something that many people contemplate in their lifetime. And why should they ? The public perception is that it is an onerous task, an unnecessary life-changing event and definitely something that other people get involved with. So, how can I address all these points and present reasons why people should seriously think about foster caring and, once completely convinced, then make that first step by contacting me ? I shall try to do this below:

 

Foster caring will always be regarded as an onerous task to those outside the process because it involves taking in a child or young person who needs care. It is, by its very nature, something extra that needs to be done. These children need to be looked after by people who can offer them a nurturing, positive environment and it is carers who can offer this that we are looking for.

 

Fostering a child or young person will change your life, as will introducing anyone, or anything different, into your lifestyle and household. This is why any carers, when being assessed, are as prepared as possible for the time when a child arrives.

 

Yes, other people do get involved in foster caring and they are supported every step of the way by this authority. As the ultimate welfare of the children is our responsibility it is in our best interest that the foster carers we attract, assess, approve and, very importantly, retain are people we can trust, call upon and know will provide the best care for the children. In exchange for this we offer generous fees and allowances, structured training, interaction with existing foster carers and continuous, ongoing support.

 

I’m not going to tell you it’s easy, or that it isn’t challenging; what I will say is that that the opportunities are there to not only help the children and young people attain their goals but, at the same time, develop your own fresh aims and targets in life, which are rarely easy or unchallenging.

 

If, after reading this article, you feel you want to take that first step you can either contact me on 01454 866423 and I will answer any questions you might have, or you might prefer to read our very comprehensive information pack which can be viewed online at www.southglos.gov.uk/fostering.  Here you will also find further information on fostering.

 

Tony Bray

Recruitment & Marketing Officer

Family Placement Team

South Gloucestershire Council