Becoming a foster parent means providing a safe and nurturing home for a child in need. This could be for as little as a few nights or all the way until they reach adulthood. There are many reasons why a child might need to be placed in foster care, from parental illness and accidents to neglect and even abuse. It’s also possible to foster unaccompanied children from other countries who are seeking asylum. However, regardless of the situation that led to it, fostering can be of great benefit to everyone involved. Here’s how.
Benefits for your foster child
It goes without saying that fostering is hugely beneficial to the child in question. Rather than having to stay in a situation that is unstable or harmful, they get to live in a warm and welcoming environment. In many cases, it’s the fresh start they need to get their life on track and develop into a healthy and well-adjusted adult. For example, it prevents their academic development from being disrupted, which in turn enables them to get the qualifications they will need later in life. Fostering is also a fantastic way to provide kids with the emotional support they require when going through what is often a very difficult time in their young lives. By providing a child with a safe and loving home, you can quite literally change the entire course of their life for the better.
Benefits for you
While it is true that fostering can be difficult at times, it can also be extremely rewarding. You get to watch a young person flourish under your care and help them to overcome whatever difficulties they may have faced. Not only that, but you will also learn plenty of valuable life skills thanks to the training you’ll be given. This could include everything from first aid to how to manage challenging behavior and may well be useful in other areas of your life too. You can also choose to be trained in specialist areas such as caring for children with disabilities or who have experienced severe trauma. Finally, as a foster parent, you’ll be part of a wider community of individuals and families who are fostering children. Agencies such as the FCA run lots of events and activities to bring people together, so you’ll have the chance to make new friends and support one another on your fostering journey.
Benefits for your family
There is no requirement for you to have a partner or children in order to foster; however, if you do have a family, you’ll find that they benefit from the experience too. Children who are involved with fostering other children often develop strong caring skills and high levels of empathy, which are sure to serve them well as they get older. It’s also a chance for your kids to make new friends and learn more about the world. Of course, it’s important to discuss the idea of fostering with your family in great detail before applying to ensure that they are completely comfortable with the idea and understand exactly what it entails. There are plenty of activities they can get involved with, too, so they don’t feel left out.
I agree that being a foster parent is a difficult job, but it is very rewarding. Both the foster parent and the foster child will benefit from it.
My son just called last night to tell me they have applied to be foster parents. It is a great responsibility. But it will benefit all.