Lucy Stevens - 3rd January 2023
Could 2022 be the year you start your fostering journey?
At this time of year many people begin to re- evaluate and start to think about a change of direction, perhaps hoping to pursue a role which will bring more meaning and satisfaction to their lives. If you have ever thought about fostering, 2022 could be the time to pursue a new and rewarding vocation which could help change the life of a child for the better and bring you associated rewards.
With the numbers of children in care significantly increasing (now over 80,000 in England according to Government statistics) we need more caring and compassionate foster carers who can welcome children into their homes and provide them with the warmth and support they deserve. Whilst fostering is not always an easy task and requires time, patience, understanding and resilience it can equally bring huge emotional rewards for both the children and their foster parents.
There is no one-size-fits-all in fostering and we are happy to accept applications from all sectors of the community. Likewise, we try to carefully match children to suit your family circumstances and skills.
Here are some of the different types of fostering you might consider –
Short term/ Task centred Fostering
These arrangements are usually planned whilst assessments are undertaken by the Local Authority to work towards reunification with family or an alternative permanent placement. This means a child can be placed in foster care for a short period or for several months pending the outcome of assessments.
Emergency Fostering
A child requires a foster placement at short notice, usually for a few days, until alternative plans are made.
Respite Fostering
A child who is already in foster care may be placed with another foster carer for short periods. Sometimes children with additional needs who live with birth family may also need respite to enable families to get rest and support.
Long term/Permanency
When a child cannot return home and adoption is not an option, they will be placed with a foster family who can offer them security until adulthood and beyond.
Other Specialist types of Fostering include
Parent and Child Fostering
Assessment based placements for a parent and their infant where the foster carer provides a positive parenting role model, guidance, and support.
Bridging to Adoption
The foster parent supports and prepares a child for adoption
Fostering Asylum Seeking young people
Unaccompanied young people who have come to the UK to escape war and conflict in their home countries are housed and supported by a foster carer until they are ready to live independently.
If you think you could make a positive difference to a child’s life by providing a loving home in 2022 please contact us for more information . We provide our foster carers with excellent training, support and allowances and if you are ready to make the change we will be with you every step of the way in your new fostering career.
You can contact us at team@easternfosteringservices.com, call us on 01206 299775, send us a message or message us on Facebook. You can also find lots of useful information on our website.
Eastern Fostering Services - The small agency with a strong family feel
