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.
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.
There is financial support available for individuals who choose to foster a child. Approved foster carers are entitled to a weekly fostering allowance which can be used for costs towards looking after the child’s needs. The benefit covers costs in providing food, clothing, travel and other household expenses which may be incurred.
As a foster carer, you will be paid an income for your time and efforts taking care of the child. Tax relief can be sought on this income for those who experience some level of financial difficulty. Some people choose to leave their jobs and foster care as a full-time option and are still capable of living a comfortable lifestyle.
It is important to note that all potential foster carers will be screened as to whether they can afford to foster care, whether they have existing debts or are capable of financially supporting the child through the allowance and other income which they have earned.
At MFN we ensure that all potential foster carers are well supported to make the process as easy as possible. Our team will provide you with a designated worker who will always be available for guidance and supervision. Also, we offer extensive training giving you the opportunity further your skills and apply these when fostering.
There are many meeting groups available which will enable you to share experiences of fostering and any concerns you may have. Speaking to other carers can help resolve issues you may be experiencing. Many carers have created friendships with other carers and people with a shared interest in the exceptional role of fostering.