Many people have preconceived ideas about becoming a foster carer and believe, often wrongly, that they don’t have the skills required to undertake the role. Fostering is definitely a challenging career and isn’t for the faint hearted! You will need deep reserves of patience, understanding and dedication; these will be the most valuable skills you will need to possess.
However, there are some specific duties and responsibilities you will have as an approved foster carer and although every fostered child is different, below is a flavour of the key daily tasks involved in being a foster carer
•    To work with other professionals to implement the child’s care plan,
•    Promote the development of the child or children, with particular emphasis on health and on educational achievement.
•    Support parents and other people who are significant in a child’s life to maintain and develop relations with them.
•    To enable children and young people who are moving on to do so positively.
•    Keep children safe from harm and abuse and that they know how to get help should anything untoward occur.
•    To act as an advocate for each child.
•    To be part of the agency and work with other agency staff and professionals within agency guidelines, policies and procedures.
•    To attend and actively participate in all reviews, family meetings, case conferences and court hearings as required, and to keep written records of placements and contribute to reports.
•    To attend the training opportunities provided by your Agency and recognise the benefit of continued training.
•    To deal responsibly with confidential information.
Initially these tasks may seem a little overwhelming but don’t worry, your Supervising social worker will be on hand to support you as you develop your skills as a foster carer!

Taking the next step

Become a foster carer..do something amazing!

If you feel ready for a challenge we can support you in finding the right Agency to meet your needs. Simply complete our ‘Register your Interest’ form and we will match your details with suitable agencies looking to recruit foster carers in your area.