Introduction to Fostering and Adoption
Last updated | 29/10/2008
There are many different reasons why children and young people need carers: illness, drug and alcohol problems or relationship difficulties in their own families. They may have suffered neglect or abuse, or sometimes their behaviour becomes too hard for their parents to manage. Carers can offer a home to a child, or children, for just a few days or for years, playing a vital part in helping them enjoy childhood and succeed in adult life.
All kinds of people become carers. Carers can be married, divorced or single, male or female. Some carers are already parents, some are not. Carers can come from all ethnic and religious backgrounds. Your personal qualities are more important than age, qualification or experience. You'll need to really like children or teenagers, and be tolerant, patient, resilient and have bags of energy. We especially value people who have coped with their own personal difficulties and shown that they have staying power, maturity and a tolerant approach to people from different backgrounds to their own.
Caring can be extremely rewarding but also very challenging. Children may be affected by moving to a new home as well as what has happened to them in the past. Young people can be moody, angry or withdrawn. Some children may be constantly active, and children with disablililties can provide extra challenges. Carers may need to help children they have grown attached to move on from their care. Carers will often be working with children's parents as well.
As a carer, you would become part of a committed and skilled group within the community, supported by a professional team of social workers and social care officers, who will also ensure that the care plan for the child you are responsible for is taken forward.
