ADVERTISING FEATURE

News Shopper: Fostering Fostering
News Shopper: I didn't think I would be right for foster care but I actually amI didn't think I would be right for foster care but I actually am

• Support available as a foster carer

Foster carers do not work alone, you will be provided with full training and support to ensure that you can provide the highest standards of care to vunerable children and young people.

The Skills to Foster training course is free to all potential foster carers invited to attend. The programme provides a great opportunity to gain more information about what’s involved in fostering. Fostering is challenging, but everyone who takes part will tell you it’s hugely rewarding too.

You will also receive a realistic allowance to enable you to become a foster carer.

Not only will you be a special person in the lives of young people who really need your care, help, support, patience, sense of humour and life experience to carry them through, but you’ll have a great career and the satisfaction of knowing that you really are making a difference.

• For more infomation call one of the organisations below.

News Shopper: Kent Council

For more information contact our Initial Enquiries Team on

0845 330 2968
www.kent.gov.uk/fostering

FOSTERING: Key requirements

  • You are the right kind of person and are fit and healthy.
  • Have a spare room where a child or young person could feel at home.
  • A secure and settled wider family base.
  • Have the life skills and experience to meet the needs of children and young people.

Foster carers come from all walks of life – you may be at home with your own children and have room for one or more, your children have flown the nest but you have a wealth of experience to offer, or you haven’t any children of your own. Whatever the reason, fostering could offer you a fulfilling way of life that really benefits others in so many different ways.

News Shopper: It's important to find the kind of foster care that's right for youIt's important to find the kind of foster care that's right for you

FLEXIBLE FOSTERING

There are many different types of foster care, so you can be involved for a few hours or a few years, it’s up to you.

• Short/medium term care – There are many reasons why a child might require a short-term placement. Perhaps there has been a breakdown in a relationship and the child is at risk.

• Longer Term Care – For children who cannot return to live with their birth families and where adoption is not considered as the best option.

• Take-a-Break – Some children in need of foster care have physical or learning disabilities, sensory impairment or other special needs. This type of care can often involve working closely with other support services such as medical or therapeutic services.

• Sibling groups – It is important that we keep sibling groups together, especially when there is disruption and trauma in their lives.

• Teenagers – Although we need carers for children of all ages, the biggest area of need is for teenagers.

• Mother and baby – At times it may be necessary to provide extra support and security to new mums and their babies, particularly teenage mums.

News Shopper: Fostering

News Shopper: Bromley Council Fostering