We know that choosing to become a Foster Carer is a huge step and one that takes a lot of thought, conversations and looking at your current and future life situation to determine if you have the space in your heart and home to bring a child into it.
Our purpose in writing this is that we want to be able to help encourage those conversations and things to think about and talk about with your family and close friends. It’s not about deciding overnight, but rather going on the journey.
So let’s talk about how to know if you should become a Foster Carer in the below four points.
You understand the importance of a consistent and stable environment for a child to thrive
Many children who require Foster Care have not experienced a stable or consistent environment for a long time when they enter a Foster Care home. This means that having a stable and consistent environment full of love and encouragement can help them to discover who they are, to learn vital life skills and develop mentally, physically and emotionally. Don’t take for granted what your stable and consistent home environment can do for a child’s ability to thrive.
You are someone with the qualities that will make a great Foster Carer
There are qualities that are important to have that will help your Foster child but also you to thrive in this relationship. Having patience will be vital when looking after children who have been through and live in difficult environments. It can take time for the child to form a bond with you and you need to be committed and patient to see this occur. Being flexible, persistent and having a good sense of humour can help to make the fostering journey one you can really enjoy stepping into.
You feel like you are able to invest in a child, know that you have loved them well and then say goodbye
Saying goodbye can be a very hard part of becoming a Foster Carer. You have to be willing to give them your love and share your home with them, but then maybe not see them again or if you are doing respite care and only caring for them a weekend a month then you have to be willing to let go at the end of each weekend, which can be very challenging. This is part of the selflessness of being a Foster Carer though and you may feel you have the ability to do this well.
You are looking to give back to your local community
One of the best parts of life can be living planted in your local community. Going to community events, volunteering for organisations and also giving back can offer fulfilment and connection to others. Glenhaven Family Care is a local not-for-profit organisation that has been working in this space for over 60 years, specifically serving local families in the North and North West of Tasmania. Our staff are planted in the community, they are passionate about our local communities and you get to be part of giving back when you become a Foster Carer.
Take these discussion points and talk with your support person more about if you fit these points as it can be a great starting point to finding out if you should become a Foster Carer.
