Can I be a Foster Carer? Fostering Manchester Forum

Posted on 12th March 2014 by Jonathan

Adele from our Fostering Manchester asked what sort of people become foster carers. First, let’s be really clear, there is no right ‘type’ of person. We work with a HUGE range of people who want to be foster carers. The only thing they all probably have in common is that they want to make a difference to a vulnerable child.

At Lorimer Foster Services, we do NOT focus on gender, sexuality, religion, ethnicity or language, but we ARE interested in your attitude, your experience with children and your ability to become a meaningful person in a young foster child’s life.

Assessment (Form F)

Our fostering application and assessment process is detailed, robust and thorough and usually takes between about 3-4 months. Lots of talking, engaged discussions, detailed reviews and yes, of course, some forms to fill in.

Your Form F Assessor and us want to get things right. It is important for everyone involved that we do. And so we look at everything we think is relevant. Your background, your current situation, your work, your relationships, your medical history, your experience and your attitude.

What is the right attitude, experience and ability to become a Foster Carer

Resilience, patience and understanding are really important characteristics that we consistently look for and find in our foster carers. Foster children and fostering can be really challenging. Many vulnerable children have seen, heard or experienced difficult and challenging things and are sometimes forced to grow up too quickly. If you want to be a foster carer you will need to be strong to help them deal with the impact of these experiences and help ‘bring the child back’.

• Some foster children may push you to your physical and emotional limits.
• Some foster children may not know how to say thank you for the good things you do.
• Some foster children may be aggressive and violent.
• Some foster children might struggle with food and eating, with routine, with sleeping, with discipline and relationships.
• Some foster children might do all of these.

And what about you? The Foster Carer?

• YOU are resilient, patient and understanding. Our assessment process told us that.
• You will stay focused on the light at the end of the tunnel.
• You will use your skill and judgement to make the right choices
• You will draw on your own experiences.
• You will smile when maybe you want to cry.
• You will talk when maybe you want to shout.