Five Reasons to Consider Becoming a Foster Carer

There is no denying it takes a certain kind of person to be a foster carer – many people refer to it as a calling. However, those who do become foster carers often say that it is the best thing they have ever done. Here are five good reasons why you should look into becoming a foster carer.

Helping Hands

Most people who have thought about becoming a foster carer do so because they are nurturing and want to change the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in the country. In the UK, every day there are nearly 70,000 children living with 55,000 foster families. By becoming a foster carer, you can help meet this need.

Sharing Space

If you have a spare bedroom, you might have considered if it could be used to help children in need of foster care. Some foster carers are adults whose biological children have left home, leaving them with additional space that can be used to provide a safe, secure environment for children. You can discover more about how to become a foster carer through a reputable source such as Fostering People.

A Warm Glow

Children who are in need of a foster carer will all have been through traumatic experiences. Some may have missed out on activities we consider a rite of passage for children, such as carving a pumpkin at Hallowe’en or choosing their treat from an ice cream van. Being able to watch children live these experiences for the first time is hugely rewarding.

Support On the Journey

People who are new to foster caring understandably have questions. Once a child or children are placed with you, that is also a learning curve as you all adapt to the change in circumstances. Whether you foster through an agency or the local authority, there will be support available to you throughout the process, from training at the beginning of your journey to helping you navigate the change when a child leaves your home. Knowing you have a team of specialists on your side is reassuring and allows you to concentrate on what is most important – giving the child what they need to succeed.

Creating Fun Memories

Being around children can keep you young and is a great excuse to do all those activities that you’ve wanted to do but felt too old for! Whether you wanted to try your hand at zorbing or scream along at the top of your lungs at a Harry Styles concert, there are so many opportunities to create special memories for you and a foster child. Best of all, these don’t have to be expensive days out. Sometimes the happiest of memories can be made hunting for squirrels on a walk in the park or paddling in the sea.

If you are considering becoming a foster carer, it is well worth finding out more about what it involves. You could be about to set off on your greatest ever adventure!