Foster Care & Fostering Myths 1 - Lorimer Fostering

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Foster Care & Fostering Myths 1

Posted on 19th March 2014 by

Are you confused about the difference between fostering and adoption? Join the club! Recent surveys revealed that a large proportion of the general public confuse the terms and many others hold other misconceptions about fostering.

Fostering Definition

For example, did you know that fostering is providing temporary care to a child or young person, whereas an adoptive parent enters into a permanent and legally-binding relationship with a child?

Did you realise that foster carers receive financial support from their fostering agency, such as Lorimer Foster Services? It is a misconception that foster carers need to be in full-time employment – this is simply not true.

Who can foster?

Were you aware that single men or women, gay couples and those over the age of 55 can also become foster carers? Many people wrongly believe that this can prevent you being accepted as a foster carer. Looked-after children simply need a safe and supportive environment, no matter who is providing the care.

Did you know that you don’t have to be a home-owner to foster? Many foster carers live in rented accommodation; as long as you have a spare bedroom, you can apply to foster children.

There is an overwhelming number of vulnerable children in the care system in the UK, more than 90,000. Each one needs someone to care. There is currently a national shortage of 9,000 foster carers. It is estimated that it can take around four years for someone to initially think seriously about fostering to finally contacting a fostering agency to enquire. This delay may be due to one of the many commonly-held misconceptions listed above. Now you know better – what’s stopping you?

2 comments

  1. I would love to foster but i gave 4 kids at home does that make a differance would love a reply

    Jacqueline | 11 years ago | Reply

    1. Hi Jacqueline, thank you for your enquiry. Having 4 children does not prevent you from fostering, in fact it means that you are more skilled through your parental experience. The only potential thing here is that we would ask that all children, including your birth children, need to have their own bedroom (no sharing). If you would like to speak with one of our team for further information about this then please contact the office on 08000 38 77 99 (freephone from landlines) we would be happy to answer any of your questions. Alternatively leave your details, using the ‘Request a Callback’ form above and we will contact you back. Thank you once again Jacqueline :-)

      Zoe | 11 years ago | Reply

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