The fear of the unknown and misconceptions are two common things that can hold people back in life. Moving to a new country, beginning a new career or even just taking that dream holiday can all be life-changing experiences, but many people decide to stay in their comfort zone instead. Although safe, a comfort zone will never help you grow as a person or experience any of the wonderful things life has to offer you.
There are also misconceptions around fostering. Many people would love to welcome a child into their home but they feel that their personal circumstances will not allow them the opportunity to become a foster carer. The reasons for fostering are extremely widespread and there is no ‘one size fits all’, people foster from all kinds of backgrounds. If you decide to foster, overcoming these misconceptions can offer you an extraordinary future.
We will provide you with a competitive weekly allowance. Not a lot of people know this about fostering and it’s something that can hold many back.
I would love to foster but I don’t fit the ‘traditional’ family model
The truth is, there is no traditional family unit anymore. People come from all kinds of backgrounds, beliefs and cultures. Your ability to provide looked after children with a warm, supportive environment is not determined by whether or not you have a partner. As a single person, we would look into your support network during the application process. If married or in a partnership, your partner would be assessed as a secondary carer. Your sexual orientation or gender identity has no reference to your ability to offer love and support to a looked after child. We have many same-sex couples who are doing an incredible job with our looked after children. As long as you are 21 years old, have the time and space and are in good health to care for a child you can apply to be a foster carer.
I would love to foster – but it seems like a complicated application process
Obviously, we need to ensure we place children in a safe home, but the process is extremely simple and there are only three stages to it. The application, checks and visits. We support you every step of the way.
I would love to foster – but I can’t afford to
Financial worries are an extremely common concern and although it is understandable, we don’t leave you to cope with the finances alone. We will provide you with a competitive weekly allowance. Not a lot of people know this about fostering and it’s something that can hold many back.
I would love to foster – but I have no experience looking after children
Most of our foster carers don’t have experience. You don’t need to be concerned about this as we will provide you with a wealth of training and support to ensure you are confident in your role. It is more important that you have qualities that will allow you to support a looked after child and offer them a loving home, including patience, empathy and kindness.
I would love to foster – but my children are still at home
Many foster carers have both looked after children and their own children at home, and this can offer enormous benefits for both sides. Looked after children often become friends with other children within the home and they can help offer companionship and support. Many of our foster carers have said that their birth children love being involved with the looked after children. There is no cause for concern with this, as in most cases, looked after children make a positive impact in the home and help the other children in the home develop their ability to empathise and share.
We hope this article goes some way to help answer some questions or concerns about fostering. If you’d like some more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our fostering team or look at some of our other frequently asked questions.
Learn more about fostering in Rotherham
If you have any questions about fostering in Rotherham, book a call back with a member of our experienced team at a time that suits you. All our call backs are confidential.