Fostering is where you look after a child or
children temporarily in your own home.
You can choose to foster full-time or
part-time, from day-care to a weekend, a few months or even permanently.
Fostering is fun, fulfilling, and hugely rewarding.
It can also be exhausting
and frustrating! But most foster carers say it is the most satisfying and
worthwhile job they've ever done.
Who can become a foster carer?
Anyone can apply to become a foster
carer, whatever their age or situation.
People who foster are as varied as the
children they look after, and we need all types of foster carers for all ages
of children.
You can be living on your own or in a couple, married or unmarried, divorced or
widowed.
You can be living with or without your own children.
You can be
living with or without your own children.
You can be working full or
part-time, or unemployed.
You can be from any race or ethnic origin.
What is most important is your attitude and outlook on life, and qualities such
as patience, tolerance and understanding.
A sense of humour also helps!
(( fostering photo ))
What help do foster carers receive?
Once you have decided to become a
foster carer, we will give you all the training and guidance you need to do the
job properly.
You will attend a short training course and be assigned your own fostering
officer whom you can call on for help and advice.
You'll be given a financial
allowance to cover the costs of caring for a child, plus an additional payment
in some circumstances.
You'll have the opportunity to take part in further
training and gain recognised qualifications.
You can join your local foster
care support groups where you can meet other foster carers.
As a foster carer you will join a whole network of people working on behalf of
children and families , you won't be coping on your own!
Could I do it?
Why not find out? You don't have to be anything other
than yourself to be a foster carer.
You don't have to come from any
particular background or need any academic qualifications.
As long as you are
genuinely interested in children and are able to make them feel comfortable,
safe and cared for during the time they stay with you, you could be a foster
carer.
Most people who foster are just ordinary people, even though they are
doing an extraordinary, much needed job.
What next?
If you'd like to find out more about becoming a foster carer, call us for an
information pack on 01325 300 020 or use the e-mail feedback form
Durham Social Services
Durham Fostering and Adoption
Aycliffe Young People's Centre
7 York Road
Copelaw
Newton Aycliffe
Co Durham
DL5 6UX
Email:
[email protected]
You can also
apply
online if you are interested in being a foster carer
.