Whether you're at the start of your fostering journey, or you think you’re ready to begin the application process, there are always questions that you can ask yourself to see if you're ready to become a foster carer.
Use our Readiness Quiz below to find out where you are in your fostering journey, and what your next steps will be.
Fostering is a hugely rewarding experience but there is a lot to learn, whether you have been a parent before or not. We would always advise you to spend some time reading about other carer's stories, as well as having a chat with professionals who will be able to point you in the right direction. We hope this quiz helps you with your research and here are some helpful links to get you started.
There are as many ways to 'family' as there are to live and every family we meet has the potential to inspire a young life. Different people's circumstances lend themselves to different types of fostering. Our foster carers care for young people ageing 0-18, and can often care for brothers and sisters as well as individual children.
Fostering is a big commitment and flexibility is key to making it work for you. If you've already begun thinking about fostering, you may have questions regarding opportunities for carers continuing their work or careers or trying to juggle other family responsibilities. It's important to find the right balance that works for everyone, while ensuring that the young people that you care for have their needs met.
Talk to your family and friends and bring them along on the fostering journey with you. You might find it helpful to read Hayley and Dillon's story, with the help of one of our Supervising Social Workers, who discusses the support given to children who grow up in fostering households.
Caring for young people may come naturally to you, but there is a range of skills that you can learn to help you care confidently. Our Skills to Foster workshop, which is available for those who are potential foster carers, makes sure that you are informed and feel prepared for your fostering experience. Find out more about training here.
Fostering is not something to embark on alone. It can be challenging. And you'll want to share some of the experiences with your family and friends. We’re mutually invested in you and those around you for support. We suggest you speak to your nearest and dearest before you make an application and involve them in your fostering journey. To find out more about our support, click here.
Only you can know when the time is right to pursue fostering seriously. It often takes years of consideration for many carers before they feel ready. Our team is here to discuss your circumstances and help you understand what it means to be ready. They can answer any questions you may have and give you the guidance you might need to move to the next step of your fostering journey.
If you think that you're ready and want to find out more, click here to submit an enquiry and get started on your fostering journey.
