Fostering Doesn't Need To Be Frightening!
Halloween is a time to be brave and confront the things which scare us, so we’re tackling some of the biggest concerns haunting potential foster carers. We aim to equip our foster carers with the skills and confidence to tackle any challenge that comes their way and become champions in the lives of young people.
I’m not sure it’s the right time because of COVID-19
Fostering a child has to be at the right time for you and your family. The current global situation may have changed your family routine meaning that you now have the time and space to offer to a foster child. The fostering team will be with you at every step of your journey as we navigate these uncertain times and have guidance available on how to discuss COVID with young people and set up a home-schooling routine.
I don’t have the skills yet
A new adventure is challenging, but we don’t expect you to be an expert at the start. You will be invited to take part in our Skills to Foster training course run by our experienced social workers, who will teach you the essential skills needed to be a brilliant foster carer. There will also be opportunities to speak to our current foster carers and lots of varied training and development.
“You will be invited to take part in our Skills to Foster training course run by our experienced social workers, who will teach you the essential skills needed to be a brilliant foster carer”.
I won't have enough support
Mockingbird Hubs are based in the region, with groups of foster carers and social workers who provide support and host events. There is a therapeutic team to support the emotional wellbeing of our foster children, a Foster Carers’ Association (FCA) run by existing foster carers, you will have a dedicated social worker and additional resources are available.
What if the child has challenging behaviour?
Will I have a say in who I foster so it's right for my family and the child? You can let your social worker know your preferences based on what level of care you can provide, any existing children or other factors. We will always try to find the best fit for everyone, based on a foster child’s individual needs, and what kind of care you’re best equipped to give. Foster children with more severe behavioural difficulties will be placed with more experienced foster carers who have received specialised training.
What if I’m not good enough?
Foster carers come from all walks of life and each bring their own strengths and personalities to the role. There isn’t an exact recipe for making the perfect foster carer, as long as you have the capacity to support and care for a foster child in a loving home with patience, openness and a good sense of humour that is as much as we expect. Fostering is a thrilling experience and our foster carers have the right magic to make positive differences to the lives of young people every day. If you would like to open your home to a child or young person please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
