Unlocking the dream to foster is a huge step and one that many have thought about for a long time; subsequently, they wait until the time is right before making their dream a reality.
For many, the dream to foster is usually inspired by firsthand experiences, which becomes the motivation to foster; subsequently, over time, the motivation to foster grows stronger. Sadly, the time we thought we had for planning is gone. Coronavirus has affected every household; now we know the time we thought we had planned doesn’t exist.
The coronavirus has brought change that we neither wanted nor welcomed; however, it has given us a window of opportunity to make our fostering dreams come alive earlier than anticipated. Our lives and attitudes changed, especially in our homes and families. Consequently, we now make decisions about our futures that we never expected, and for many people, the motivation for fostering has become even stronger.
The coronavirus has brought some families closer; others have not been as lucky…
Sadly, our children also have felt the effects of the Coronavirus. The normality of a child’s life altered dramatically; their schools closed, and friendships and relationships that were a huge part of their life went. But the children didn’t complain; they painted rainbows to cheer us up and stood with us, clapping to thank our NHS and key workers. Consequently, children became a far more integral part of family life than ever.
The coronavirus has brought many families closer; however, it has split many families further apart. More children in care need foster carers now; thankfully, it has made more people ask themselves, could now be the right time to unlock my dream of becoming a foster carer?
What is my motivation to foster?
Realising a dream and unlocking it to make it often begs people who don’t foster to ask, ‘Why do you do it?’ What is the motivation to foster?
Usually, the reply is, ‘Because it’s something I feel I must do, or ‘Because I want to give something back.’ Others say, ‘I want to make a difference.’ Or, ‘I want to share the good fortune I’ve had with others who may not have been as lucky as me.’
To those who don’t understand, foster carers become foster carers because fostering is a feeling. It is a feeling of the need to be ‘doing something”; or not ‘feeling complete. This feeling is a ‘calling.’ They knew they would realise their dream to foster; however, fostering was always a plan when the time was right.
Foster carers give children a break when it’s needed most.
Foster carers are exceptional people. They put the welfare of vulnerable children before themselves and support children who need a ‘break-in life’. In many ways, it reflects when we have all had ‘that break‘; when we met that certain someone who made us think differently and taught us to stop mistrusting others.
Foster carers are people who make things better; they go ‘the extra mile, and children who don’t expect much of anything, or anyone, are very aware of this. However, as much as children might not show it, they appreciate kindness but sadly don’t know how to accept it, and on the surface, they reject it.
Foster carers know from experience that negative children’s behaviour is not personal; it’s a response to a trigger that children need to heal. Subsequently, once the healing begins, children will flourish.
‘Not for Profit Charities’ go the extra mile for vulnerable children.
Verve aims to create engaging campaigns to attract the best foster carers, and often we go the extra mile ourselves. We do it because we appreciate the ‘Not for Profit Charities‘ we support. These Charities give ‘Outstanding’ support to foster carers, their families, and their foster children; often, the first social worker you meet is the one who stays with you throughout your fostering career.
Subsequently, strong relationships begin. These relationships become the framework of care you have and, more importantly, the framework that children have; thus, the children are as much a part of the fostering family as you and your family are.
The support you receive from Not for Profits is Outstanding. Every person in the Charities dedicates themselves to giving their foster carers the vital support they need to support children throughout their fostering career.
Equally important is the ongoing training and personal development that foster carers receive; this training is of enormous importance to Charities as it reflects the continuing care they offer to you.
Foster carers have an inherent ability to understand children.
The motivation for fostering is usually the evidence of your passion for supporting vulnerable children. This passion may have been within us for a lifetime; however, life sometimes throws a curveball at us; thus, our dreams are ‘On Hold.’
The path we have led often might not seem right for fostering, and we feel past mistakes will judge us. However, the reality is that sometimes, we make mistakes, but these mistakes don’t define us. The defining factor is how we have reacted and learned from our mistakes that determined us as adults. Even more importantly, using our experiences to prevent others from making the same mistakes is vital, especially for vulnerable children.
Many children have not had the best start in life; sadly, they might have suffered trauma, loss, neglect, and abuse. They need safe and loving homes with foster carers who understand and have life experiences with inherent empathy to make things better.
We need foster carers with skills and experience in caring for children.
‘Not for Profit Charities’ need Foster carers with dedication, compassion, and a shared vision to be the best for vulnerable children. Foster carers can be single, married, living together, straight, or gay. They can live in rented accommodation, own their property, smoke cigarettes, and some may not; (if you smoke, you will not get approved for children under five years of age).
You don’t need academic qualifications to foster children. The best foster carers are those with life experiences raising their families or supporting children. They may have been in care themselves or had parents who fostered; every foster carer is as unique as each child; therefore, matching them together is the glue to a better future.
What is the best type of foster care for you?
When you decide to foster, you need to determine the fostering type that reflects your motivation to foster. What kind of fostering fits this motivation?
Firstly, the highest demand is for foster carers to provide a safe home for siblings as ‘sibling foster carers’. Secondly, there is a massive demand for ‘Parent and Child foster carers to help Mum’s and their babies stay together; finally, there is a vast demand for foster carers to support older children and teenagers.
Did you know that Over 38% of children in the care system are aged ten and above? These older children often have lousy press; however, many foster carers have often been pleasantly surprised by the young people they have supported. Consequently, older children and young people need foster carers to lead them to a safer future; the clock is ticking, and they need more safe and loving homes now than ever before.
Often, children develop a shell to protect themselves.
Many young people live with the difficulties of teenage angst; many young people who have been in care for a long time have often moved around. They have developed a thick shell to protect themselves. These children have armour embedded, usually due to frequent rejection; however, they need stability, honesty, and a feeling of belonging because they are scared underneath it.
The main fear is the creeping reality they will soon be too old for foster care; what will happen to them?
This question drives foster carers; we must create a future with positive prospects for young people. It motivates foster carers to go that extra mile and provide young people with a positive and safe future. Also, there is a growing concern as mental health issues in children and young people have grown higher than ever before; support networks are scarce, and thus, they are even more vulnerable.
Children need foster carers who will care for them.
Children in care wait for foster carers to be the difference they need to make their lives better. Foster carers make a significant difference in a child’s future; they heal the past with care, kindness, and compassion.
These children need foster carers with tolerance, patience, and people who will never give up on them, no matter how hard they test them. Foster carers and not-for-profit charities work 24/7, helping children overcome trauma; thus, they lead by example by ‘always staying the pace’, with never-ending loyalty.
Verve offers honest advice on the fostering role, and we aim to match you with a charity that will reflect you, your skills, and your experience in caring for children. More importantly, we match you with a Not-for-Profit charity that recognises your ‘fostering dream’ and your motivation to foster.
Whatever the motivation that has led you to this point in your life, now is the time to make it a reality. Therefore, your next move will dictate your career in fostering. Subsequently, the agency or charity you choose will have a significant impact.
Verve Recruitment CIC will help you to achieve this. We work with you and match you with a Not-for-Profit Charity that we know is the best match for you. When matched well, you will realise your fostering dream; and, most importantly, fulfil the children’s dreams in care.