We are looking at common fostering misconceptions that may be barriers for people considering becoming a foster parent. Please check out our social media over the next few weeks as we work through some of the most common issues and explain why these ideas shouldn’t hold you back.
One of the main comments we hear from potential foster parents is: ‘I wouldn’t be able to give the children back’.
Our Senior Social Worker Jo addresses this:
“This is always challenging even for experienced foster parents- we are all human and it is natural to build an attachment to the children and young people in your care. Children and young people move on from foster care for various reasons, either returning to parents or extended family care or moving on to a further foster placement, residential setting, or moving to independence. It is encouraged for foster families to retain these connections if appropriate, we have foster families whose young people return to them for support and advice as would your own children if they left home. We also have foster families who have built relationships with the children’s extended birth family and meet up for trips out, walks, etc. It is not always appropriate to retain these connections for whatever reason and that is where your supervising social worker will discuss this through supervision to look at how best we can support you and your family moving forward, it may be that you take a short break from fostering a couple of weeks or months, whatever works for you and your family to work through these emotions and prepare you to continue on your fostering journey”.
For those considering fostering, it’s important to acknowledge the emotional challenges but also to focus on the positive outcomes. Support networks, including other foster parents, social workers, and counseling services, can provide the necessary emotional support. Understanding that your role is to be a temporary guardian and a stepping stone to a brighter future can help you navigate the emotional complexities of fostering.
Fostering is a journey filled with love, challenges, and ultimately, the joy of knowing you have made a difference. While saying goodbye can be daunting, it’s essential to remember that children moving on is generally a sign of success. By embracing this transition, you can help provide a brighter future for children in need, making the emotional journey of fostering a truly rewarding experience.
Would you like to know more? Contact us here or give us a ring.