fostering

laurajane1

I would like to hear from any foster parents about their experiences? Many Thanks

loadsacash

We are looking into fostering too!

We started classes the other week and have two more to go.

Are you thnking about fostering too?

System

I was talking to an ex foster Mum a few weeks ago. She had fostered children for years and took a break with the view of going back to it at some point.

They started the ball rolling and went to sessions before deciding it wasnt for them.

In the past they had some very disturbed teenagers. Being Foster parents obviously they had to be very careful how a child had to be handled. Some of the children she had fostered were very clever, these children soon got to learn how to play the system. One false allegation of child abuse from a foster parent would be enough for a child to be whisked off to another home. Unless it was proved to be a truthfull allegation, little more was done and the Foster parent carried on Fostering.

I dont know how many years later the rules changed but the woman who i was talking to said when they looked into it they found out that in any case of an allegation has been made, even the Grandchildren (and any family children) the foster parents come into contect with must be supervised when in their prescense. Which meant, they couldnt even look after their own Grandchildren.

Obviously that is only what i was told. Ive never considered the option myself.

Alikay

We're foster carers with our own grown up children and look after young sibling groups - usually around 3-6 years old. You'll get lots of opportunities to chat with existing foster carers on the initial training course, and every experience with each particular child will be different.

Don't be misled into thinking that it's only the teenagers who can be challenging: Seriously neglected or abused pre-schoolers can be a nightmare too! Personally, I wouldn't do it unless your own children are pretty grown up, and if they're still living at home, have a very good support network of grandparents, family and friends as the foster children, their families and the system can drain all your emotional energy.

On the positive side, it is very rewarding to see the difference you can make.