Would you like to transform a child’s life and embark on a journey that could potentially change your life?
Foster caring is very rewarding and there are many people who have contemplated whether they could be a positive role model and foster care in their community. Thousands of children in the UK and around the world are in need of foster carers who can provide them with love, stability and support.
Often children coming into foster care are looking to rebuild and rehabilitate their lives. Many children come into foster care after experiencing issues that are not limited to domestic violence, neglect, broken homes or as a refugee from another country.
Here at the Muslim Foster Network we have put together what it takes to become a foster carer and embark on one of the most rewarding and blessed decisions that an individual or couple could choose to make.
Essential regulations for applying to be a foster carer in the UK are as follows:
- to be at least 21 years-old (although by law you can apply to foster from 18)
- to have a spare bedroom big enough for a young person to live in
- to be a full-time resident in the UK or have leave to remain
- to be able to give the time to care for a child or young person, often on a full-time basis.
If you match the basic criteria you can then move onto considering the qualities and skills you need as a person to be able to foster care. For example, you need to consider the following:
- Can you afford to look after a foster child?
- Is your home a safe environment for a young child?
- Are you fit and healthy?
- Do you have friends or family who can support you when fostering?
- Do you have any convictions past or present?
- Do you have any experience with children?
Most foster carers are role models in their community, they are selfless and have a genuine concern about the welfare of the child which is under their care. There are many stereotypes surrounding foster caring such as the fact that you have to be married to foster a child, you need formal qualifications or you cannot work if you are foster caring. All these myths have no basis in the criteria to foster care and it is always worth finding out more information about the process and the eligibility when making an informed decision.
Becoming a foster carer is an important decision and one that may affect a whole family so it is important to discuss your interest in foster caring with your loved ones. This is especially important if you have existing children or if you want to express your desire to become a foster carer to a spouse. It is always good to have the support of your loved ones who can in turn welcome a foster child into your home and make it their own.
If you are considering getting into foster care and looking after a child so that you can help them to reach their full potential, then do contact us today for more information.
