The Rewards Of Foster Caring That Everyone Should Know
There is a crisis brewing in the UK and it has been so for quite a while. The number of children going into care is increasing and the childcare and social work system is overburdened. So how does this affect you and me?
Every economy and society is only as strong as its weakest links. Our communities are diverse and they come with diverse problems too. Child care (or lack of) is one of the common concerns which are being observed across the region.
The reasons could be the drug epidemic or crime, neglect due to other things – thousands of children are not receiving the attention they need from their parents or guardians. Yes, there is a system in place to deal with such issues. But this system also depends on your contribution.
Foster carers provide a safe haven for many children, from little babies to teenagers, who otherwise would be bounced around institutions. The role of being a foster carer also comes with many benefits, material and emotional. Let us learn more.
You Can Be The Guiding Light
Imagine the difference you can make to someone’s life, simply by opening your doors and your heart. Be it a small child or a precocious teen, you can help the child catch up on the things that he or she may have missed.
It could be something as simple as having someone to talk to or it could be you encouraging them to nurture a natural talent that they have. These enriching experiences are just part of the larger picture, one where you help lay down a path for a child’s bright future.
Your Financial Needs Are Acknowledged
There are financial incentives if you want to be a foster carer. As Perpetual Fostering explains, foster carers that are caring for young adults that are between 16 and 17 years of age will be compensated with a minimum range of £191 to £222. Many foster carers have been able to gain some income through this noble work.
In many cases, some experienced foster carers with a knack for it have gone full time. Foster carers also receive a very good tax relief benefits with their related earnings – that will certainly help you add to your savings.
Play Multiple Roles
Foster care networks and the related departments have ensured that the fostering does not interrupt with the daily routine that you may have – especially your job. Apart from fostering related compensation that you receive, you can have a normal work life too. There are different types of foster arrangements and cases and you can always talk to the agency to find the ideal scenario.
Personality Development
When you take up the responsibility of foster care, it will be a monumental learning experience for you too. The role requires you to adapt to various situations and understand another human being. You will be a teacher and yet, you will also learn precious interpersonal skills at every step. Some of these children will be in a shell – the constant trauma and movement tend to destroy their fragile confidence. Your job would be to usher them out of it by building trust and holding their hands as they deal with their difficult memories.
With older children, you are essentially in charge of someone who is on the threshold of becoming an adult citizen. Life does not give too many chances to people who have been in care for too long. They tend to suffer academically and they lack in social skills. This affects them for the rest of their lives – economically and socially. These are the possibilities that you have to battle when you are giving foster care. You can be the difference between someone living a content life and someone lost in the mire of newfound adulthood.
Resources And Help For Foster Carers
As we delve deeper into the foster care responsibility, it should help to know that there is an entire framework of expertise and resources meant to make things easier for foster carers. You will not be alone when you take up the responsibility.
There will be interactions with social workers and foster agencies as you learn the ropes. Training sessions are very important. They will prepare you for scenarios and routines that foster carers commonly experience. You will also have access to a hotline at all times in case you need urgent counsel to deal with a situation.
Being a foster carer is your way of telling the world that you care about your community. Take the step forward – get in touch with an agency to learn more.