Debunking The Myth
- Do you really need any qualifications to foster?
- What skills and experience do you need?
- Thinking of fostering? Hear how Changing Futures can help…
Do You Really Need Any Qualifications To Foster?
One of the biggest myths when it comes to fostering is that there is a strict set of qualifications you need to have in order to become a foster parent. At Changing Futures, we think it’s time to officially debunk this myth! Truthfully, there is no rule book when it comes to fostering, and certainly not a strict list of qualifications to meet. As long as you pass the fostering assessment and the fostering panel, you are considered as qualified to foster. These two processes are just there to make sure you pass all the safeguarding requirements and to ensure that fostering is a good fit for you and your lifestyle. There will also be checks to ensure you meet the formal requirements to become a foster parent, which include factors such as age, living conditions, etc.
What Skills & Experience Do You Need?
For us, at CFF, we think that your attributes and skills are the most important. When it comes to what we look for in prospective foster parents, qualities such as patience, empathy, compassion and resilience take precedence. Being a good foster parent is all about support, consistency and effective communication, as well as a sure sense of teamwork when it comes to dealing with the child or young person’s entire support network. You will find yourself needing to be flexible and adaptable, like any other parental guardian. If you are willing to adjust your routines and daily life to best suit a new addition, then you’re already halfway there. As long as you are fair, considerate, open-minded, loving, accepting and honest, we think you’ll be an excellent foster parent!
Regarding experience, there is no formal requirement for you to have worked with children or looked after them. However, we believe that focusing on your own growth and development can massively aid the growth and development of the child or young person in your care. That is why we designed our Therapeutic Foster Parent Training programme alongside foster parents and young people we’ve worked with over the years. This programme focuses on learning ways to nurture and parent a child whilst also managing and dealing with behaviours and trauma that may affect them. It has been designed to equip you with everything you need to deal with more complex and challenging situations, to enable you to better respond to a child’s needs with a sensitive and attuned attitude.
Thinking Of Fostering? Hear How Changing Futures Can Help…
At CFF, we offer ongoing support all the way from your initial enquiry to the fostering panel and arranging placements. It’s our goal to make this process as easy and seamless as possible, which is why we work alongside you, helping you every step of the way. Thinking of fostering? Please get in touch to start your fostering journey today – we can’t wait for you to become a part of the Changing Futures family!
At Changing Futures, we’re all about providing our foster parents with the support and information they need to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people. If you need more information about what you need to foster or if you have any other questions or queries, please click here to contact us. You can also email us at admin@changingfuturesne.co.uk or give us a call at 01429 363 127 to speak to our excellent fostering team!