Steve Ellis - 19th May 2023
“It would be easy to think that as a male foster carer, you might be overlooked or treated differently but that’s not the case at all at Eastern Fostering Services.”
Lots of people think that foster carers are all women. It’s true that women make up the majority of the fostering community but at Eastern Fostering Services, there are many men who take an active role in fostering.
I really like the fact that our community of foster carers at Eastern Fostering Services is so diverse. We need to be when you think about it as the children we care for are also a diverse crew! We’ve got men, women, couples, single carers, carers of different ethnicities, different religions or no religion at all, gay, straight, you name it.
It would be easy to think that as a male foster carer, you might be overlooked or treated differently but that’s not the case at all at Eastern Fostering Services. There are always male foster carers at training or at the events that are put on for the children and foster carers. Men are included in the carer well-being events that the fostering agency offers, but we also have enough men now to have our own male foster carer meet ups.
“..it’s powerful when kids see a man who has authority without need for violence, abuse or manipulation.”
And of course, our opinion matters. When it comes to fostering, we all learn from each other. There may be something I can offer a different perspective on than someone else. I can learn from them, and they can learn from me. It’s so important to share knowledge and experience as that’s what helps us when we hit new challenges.
But also, it’s important that men do play a big role in fostering for those kids who have not had positive male role models in their life. They may be scared of men or think that men should act a certain way so it’s powerful when kids see a man who has authority without need for violence, abuse or manipulation. Men can show children of any gender a new way to be and can become a trusted person in their lives.
It may be that men and women show care or nurture in different ways, but many men make great therapeutic foster carers and offer a lot to help and support children and young people.
So please don’t think, fostering’s for women. You could be just the man for the job. #FosteringCommunities.
If like Steve, you’re interested in fostering, please do get in touch with us to find out more.
team@easternfosteringservices.com
www.facebook.com/EasternFosteringServices
www. eastern-fostering-services.com
Eastern Fostering Services - The small agency with a strong family feel
