Lucy Stevens - 10th January 2019
The short answer to the question of what qualifications foster carers need is none!
So what do we look for in foster carers?
Whilst foster carers do not need formal qualifications, there are qualities that we look for. Foster carers need to be resilient. During the fostering assessment resilience is looked at and foster carers can cite their life experience to evidence this.
Foster carers need to have emotional intelligence, empathy and kindness. Because many looked after children have specific emotional needs. But don’t worry if you don’t know a lot about the ins and outs of fostering. Foster carers undergo training as part of their assessment.
Whilst it is helpful to have experience of children and child care, even this is not a must. Undoubtedly what we look for is someone who has a passion to make a difference. Having empathy and a desire to positively change the outcomes for children is the most important thing.
A spare room to foster
The only thing we have to insist on is that foster carers have a spare room available for fostering. For some people this is a barrier to fostering. We understand that this is frustrating for some people. Nonetheless it is important to have enough space to enable long term plans to be made for looked after children.
I want to foster. What do I do now?
Email us at team@easternfosteringservices.com. We can send you information about fostering and can organise a visit to you in your home.
Fostering is difficult. However, it is also one of the most rewarding and valuable things that a person can do.
If you are thinking of fostering, contact Eastern Fostering Services today.
Eastern Fostering Services - The small agency with a strong family feel
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