Thousands of people in the UK have looked into becoming a foster carer. However, very few people take up this role. While there are several reasons for this, one of the main reasons is that these individuals worry about the effect fostering will have on their wider family. If you’re one of these people, then make sure you continue reading below. In this article, we’ll explain how fostering can benefit the whole family:
You and Your Partner
If you’ve ever looked into fostering or contacted a fostering agency such as fosterplus.co.uk, there’s a good chance you will already know some of the benefits of being a foster carer. There are, in fact, many benefits to this role. As well as being one of the most rewarding roles out there, it is a role that allows you to make a difference in a young person’s life.
Another huge benefit of becoming a foster carer is that it allows you to learn specialist skills. Foster carers are extensively trained in child protection, safeguarding, therapeutic care, paediatric first aid, child development and much more.
As well as this, foster carers also receive many benefits, including an allowance to cover the cost of caring for the child. The minimum amount foster carers usually receive is £154 per week; however, this can vary.
Birth Children
If you have children still living at home, it’s pretty normal to be concerned about welcoming a vulnerable foster child into your home. After all, these children have normally been through a lot in their short lives and will require a lot of support from you.
However, don’t let the thought of this put you off. Welcoming a foster child into your home can be an amazing and life-changing experience for your children. There are many benefits to welcoming a foster child into your home including teaching your children kindness and empathy, and helping them to realise just how good their lives are. And that’s not all; another huge benefit is that your children will have someone to play with.
Grandchildren
Similar to birth children, welcoming a foster child into your home can positively impact any grandchildren you have. It shows them that no matter what they go through, they are not alone. Someone will always be there to support them. As well as this, it teaches them that families come in all shapes and sizes. This helps them to be more open-minded.
Extended Family
Aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents etc., can all benefit from you bringing a foster child into your home. As well as helping your family to bond as you work together to care for and support your foster child, it can also help your family members better understand and appreciate other people’s life experiences and backgrounds.
If you’ve been considering becoming a foster carer but put it off because you’ve been worried about how this will affect your family, don’t. Being a foster carer is fantastic, not just for the person who looks after the child but also for the wider family. So, why not find out more about this role today?
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