Fostering enables individuals to provide stability in nurturing family life for children and young people who are unable to live with their birth parents or guardians. There are an unprecedented number of children who are put into care by the local authority and removed from their family homes due to some reasons. These reasons include and are not limited to, being exposed to domestic violence, verbal or physical abuse, neglect, poverty or death of their biological parents, with no other carer available to look after them. As a consequence, children may be left traumatised, emotionally affected and in need of support and a safe environment to be brought up in.
Fostering enables exceptional individuals to provide the much-needed support to a child in need. Also, Fostering is incredibly rewarding as it gives you the opportunity to change a child’s life for the better, nurture growth and development and take care of a child for a set period. Foster caring placements may last for a day, a few months or even many years. Many children may return home to their families if the situation improves, but others may receive continued long term fostering that enables you to build a long lasting relationship with the child.
The role of a foster carer is one that provides love, support and a safe and happy environment for a child or young person. Foster carers not only have a legal responsibility to look after a child placed in their care but they also have a respected authority in opening up their heart and homes to make a positive impact on a child.
Fostering is a life changing experience that can be rewarding, challenging and empowering. You have the ability to provide for a child through fostering and leave a legacy of kindness, generosity and support.