Collaborative Post
Fostering a child is a very noble thing to do. When you foster, you provide a child in need with safety, security, and love. Foster parents, even on a very short-term placement can make a huge difference to a child’s life. Many families who foster take great fulfilment from their role, and after a successful first placement go on to foster countless children in the years to come. But fostering certainly isn’t for everyone. If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, here are some of the questions that you should ask yourself first.
Do You Have Space in Your Home?
You don’t always need a spare bedroom to foster. If you have children at home, room sharing is sometimes an option. But it’s a requirement to give a foster child their own room… You can learn more about the requirements for fostering at fcascotland.co.uk.
Do You Have the Time to Commit to a Child?
You don’t need to be a stay-at-home parent to foster. But you do need to be able to give them plenty of time and energy. If you have a full-time job, a job that takes you away from home, other caring responsibilities, or your own young children at home, ask yourself if you could realistically give a foster child the attention that they need.
Do You Have the Energy?
Raising a child is hard work, especially if they have additional needs or need extra emotional support. Do you have the energy to keep up with their needs?
Are You Ready for a Challenge?
Fostering is a fantastic experience, but it can be very hard, physically, emotionally, and mentally. If you want to foster because you’d like a child around the house, ask yourself if you are really ready for all of the challenges it could bring, as well as the fun.
Are You in Good Health?
Looking after a child of any age can take a toll on us physically. Are you healthy enough to give them the attention and support that they need? Will you still be as healthy in five years?
How are Your Finances?
Children cost money. Yes, fostering can pay, and you might be entitled to financial support. But it’s an extra mouth to feed, extra clothes, and things like days out can get much more expensive when you have an extra body to include. You don’t need to be rich to foster, but it helps if you are fairly comfortable, and not worried about debts or how to pay your bills.
Can You Provide Safety and Stability?
How is your home life? Is your relationship strong? Are your children happy? Do you have a good support network? A foster child needs stability and safety, can you give it to them?
Before you start to seriously consider fostering, look online for more information on the specific requirements that you’ll need to meet. If you don’t meet them all right now, but you are very keen, there might be some changes that you can make before you apply.
