FOSTER parenting

[hammerman]

We are currently putting out the feelers about becoming foster parents, anyone on here do it, done it or have close friends and family who have. We've had a look on the web and found loads of the technical and legal stuff.

But i'd like to hear personal experiences....good and bad and any advice and tips you may have.

All info is most welcome

[tigwig]

Me and my husband applied to become foster carers earlier this year and went to a few information evenings on it etc. We were all set for doing it when I unexpectedly found out I was pregnant so ended up pulling out.
The only advice I can offer is to go ahead and formally apply and you will be invited to the information sessions on it, get chance to meet social workers and speak to people who are fostering.
They will be able to give you all the info you need and of course you are free to pull out at any time should it not be for you. They also provide intense training but we didn't get that far.
I hope it works out for you. As much as I am happy to be pregnant, whenever I see the adverts I still think what if? It makes me sad to think of all the children I could have given a lovely home to!

[Connemmara]

Yes my neighbour has been fostering for about 10 years. I know her and it takes a lot of patience and discipline - as the older child coming to your home blames you (foster parents) for being taken away.

Also with babies-5 years old, dont forget chest infections, colds, uniforms running to hospitals in the middle of the night with temperatures.

With the older children they have access to their parents (usually) so they have to be picked up and left back. I went for the course myself and realised being on my own it would have been too much. You do need help in the house for a bit of backup ie - if you need to run down to the shop etc. Plus some of the children have had it rough and so can be disturbed.

Go to the meetings they are very enlightening. You could also try Respite which means overnight or a few nights.

I would have loved to have done it really - but as I say not on my own.

[daffy654]

As a child I was fostered many times due to having a mother with mental health issues (Munchaussen's by Proxy and Psychopathy).I never once blamed the foster families for taking me away from my mum Connemmara,I don't know where you have gotten the idea that most foster children feel that way.

There are different types of foster parent,you can be an emergency foster carer or long term.Emergency is very disruptive to family life,you can be woken in the middle of the night by social workers trying to find a placement for a child at risk etc.
Expect to have every aspect of your lifestyle probed intensively.You must not be a smoker,have strong political or religious views and of course be ready to accept a child of any nationality the social services think would be suitably placed with you.You can refuse to take particular children if you feel strongly that it would be too much for your family to cope with.
Good luck with it all hammerman.

[hammerman]

Thank you everyone....top advice.

Please keep it coming though

[zzxxee]

my aunty fostered years ago and i remember her saying its really hard work but the rewards are fabulous

[oliviaeddings]

Hi, if you are looking for Fostering agency then i know some in UK. i have been fostering child for a couple of years and it is really great fostering a child.
If you want to adopt a child then visit here > http://bit.ly/2tiSNmb