Fostering a child is one of the most selfless things a person can do. Opening up your home to care for vulnerable children who, through no fault of their own, cannot live with their birth families is an incredibly kind act.
However, there remains misunderstanding and stereotyping around both the children and carers involved in the foster system. This lack of understanding can discourage some potentially excellent foster carers.
In this post, we will debunk common myths around fostering to give a clearer picture of what’s really involved when you welcome a foster child into your home.
Foster Children Misbehave
One big assumption is that all foster children misbehave. Foster children may express their feelings differently from children who have lived a nurturing childhood, and the care and support of a loving foster family will help them learn new ways of expressing these feelings and getting their needs met.
Children come into care at any age, so an agency like Orange Grove may see younger children all the way through to teenagers.
While some older children do come into care, in reality, agencies like Orange Grove Foster Care match carers to children of all ages – from babies through to teenagers.
I Don’t Have The Right Experience Or Skills
Another common myth amongst potential carers is that they need teaching credentials or previous experience working with vulnerable kids to foster.
In fact, skills can be taught during the comprehensive training courses you must complete before becoming an approved foster carer. Patience, empathy, and kindness are far more valuable traits. No specific qualifications or background experience are required.
The most vital thing is being willing to provide a stable family environment for a child who needs support.
The Financial Allowance Will Not Cover Costs
There is a misconception that the allowance provided to foster carers would not adequately cover a child’s expenses.
Foster carers receive a professional fee plus money to pay for the child’s food, clothing, travel costs, and pocket money. Additional funds can also be made available to provide further support if required.
The amount varies but is reviewed annually and should sufficiently cover costs. Carers can also claim tax relief. This allowance means that finances should not pose a barrier to fostering.
I Won’t Be Able to Work
Among potential foster carers, some assume they would have to give up their job or career to foster full-time.
It is possible to foster whilst working. The individual completing your fostering assessment would simply need to ensure that you can meet the demands of fostering while balancing other types of work.
Support is also given if you need to take time off work for training courses, meetings or to help a child settle in. Having a support network of family and friends that could help out in emergencies also makes working and fostering manageable.
Hopefully, dispelling these common myths has given potential foster carers a better insight into what’s really involved. Fostering provides children unable to remain at home with loving family support when they need it most.
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