New Families - Fostering etc

sams247

I thought there are sections for wannabe mums, tryingtobemums, new mums, mums and families of all sorts, so how about a fostering, maybe adoption, maybe a borrowed family section. Whatever works, works.

I wanted to start this for 2014, but cant wait Finally, after so many years I am going down the Fostering route. I tried many years ago, actually got to panel but then my OH left me and it all fell apart. Raising children, working, paying off debt, BR and life just sort of happened and I cant believe it all passed so quickly, yet here I am again. I have been to a meeting, had my initial report, and am now at the point of DRB checks. Then the loooong family report starts. I want to keep a dairy of sorts about what we do, what happens for anyone who cares to read it and I'd love anyone to join in.

I am excited. My OH is less so, full of trepidation (dread) and my DS and DD are encouraging but also wonder if I am trying to fill my empty nest.

One challenge will be the money - I am the prime wage earner so moneywise I am going to have to be savvy. I have had years of problems with money/debt due to all sorts of family issues but I took the step a few years back to let go of the strain and struggle and went BR. I have been honest about this to SS and they are ok.

So here I go. My aim at the end of 2014 is to be writing;

What an amazing year, so tired but its all been worthwhile, ups and downs but through it all 2014 was such an adventure!

Alikay

There is a members only forum on Fostering Network which you can log into once your agency or local authority gives you your membership details. Haven't used it myself, but it's safer and probably has a lot more relevant information than a more general forum such as this.

I think I've only posted on here about specifics such as where to get nappies for a 4 year-old etc, as it's just not appropriate to discuss the care of the children. Confidentiality is paramount for foster carers, so I'd be a bit careful posting a diary or blog in case your SW thinks you're sharing a little too much online

Good luck with the application, btw - I think you're very brave doing it as a single carer:)

sams247

Alikay wrote: »

I think I've only posted on here about specifics such as where to get nappies for a 4 year-old etc, as it's just not appropriate to discuss the care of the children. Confidentiality is paramount for foster carers, so I'd be a bit careful posting a diary or blog in case your SW thinks you're sharing a little too much online

Good luck with the application, btw - I think you're very brave doing it as a single carer:)

Thank you for that, I appreciate your comments and concern, but honestly I truly do appreciate the vital importance of confidentiality. I have worked in similar fields and with a charity also that dealt with very sensitive issues and confidentiality is also paramount in my daily work. It wasnt that I wanted to talk about 'Tommy' or 'Jo' but more that I wanted to talk about my own journey, and that of my family, old and new. It was about the challenge of sorting the money, adapting life, watching the impact on family and friends. It was about finding ways forward and reviewing my life change. I would never chat about things that were not for public discussion