Foster parents provide a safe and secure home to children when they are no longer able to live with their own parents or in their usual environments. This will be temporary, until a permanent placement has been secured. A child may have experienced bereavement, abuse, neglect, or another life-changing event.
Tips
As a foster carer, you are not expected to know all of the answers. Seek help from your agency or social worker, who understands and is happy to help.
Fostering is a huge adjustment for the full family, but a child in need will feel much more apprehensive about the whole experience. Learn to communicate your feelings effectively, openly and honestly.
A great sense of humour and feeling free to have a lot of fun is a great way of coping for all involved. Sometimes the serious issues take over, but making time for fun can be a real tonic.
Take every opportunity to break the ice and to open up and talk. Asking open-ended questions is a great way to learn more about a child and their interests.
Be sure to make time for self-care. You will be in a better place to look after a child if you are taking some well-earned rest for yourself, allowing you to function better and handle challenges.
Fostering Services
Children who need a foster home may have already faced trauma or challenges in their lives. They need a foster carer who is respectful, compassionate, empathetic and nurturing. Specialist services offering foster care Bridgend are proud to offer a therapeutic approach to fostering children, where they are at the heart of every decision made.
To obtain further information about becoming a part of foster care in Bridgend, contact a fostering agency that is committed to excellence.
