The Fostering Process Explained

Fostering is the act of giving of a safe and secure home to a child who can no longer live in their home environment. These children come from a wide range of backgrounds and their experiences can differ greatly, but all have one thing in common: a need for stability.

Fostering a child can be incredibly rewarding, but it is also challenging, requiring strength and commitment from carers. Many children placed for fostering have suffered years of neglect or abuse and require time and care to fully integrate and thrive.

However, the experience of helping a child realise their full potential is incomparable. If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, visit Fostering Solutions.

Applying

The decision to enter into the fostering process is a big one, but it isn’t as scary as it may seem. Agencies provide great support to help guide you through the process, and give you the opportunity to speak to other foster carers who can give you real insight into this world. As long as you are over 21, your creed, colour, status or sexuality does not matter, as long as you can provide a happy and stable environment for a child.

Assessment

The first step of the process is your assessment. This is the longest part of the process, and can take up to several months, but it is necessary to find out everything about a potential care giver. It’s not only the standard security checks however, but also to get to know you and your family. Fostering happens on an individual basis, so knowing the dynamics of a home can help to pair you with a child whose needs you and your family are better suited to meet.

Learning new skills

Part of the assessment process is the ‘Skills to Foster’ training which equips you with the necessary tools to give a child the best care possible. It also gives you the requisite support to better understand individual cases and help each child through trying times, giving each of them the confidence and support to be happy and fulfilled.

Approval and Placement

Once you have completed your assessment, and been approved, an agency will endeavour to find the right match for you. During your first year, you will continue to receive classes and tutorials to help you with your experience, and you will receive support throughout the fostering process.

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