Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Flip

Original poster

Fostering thoughts

9 replies

Icecreamcarton · 20/02/2019 12:05

I’m considering the possibility of fostering and am wondering if anyone here has any first hand experience of it i.e what to expect, practicalities and any barriers. I really want to do it but a bit scared!!

OP posts:

GinisLife · 20/02/2019 12:27

Do it ! So rewarding. Yes, you could get a child with huge issues but they need love & support and you could make a massive difference to their lives. There's no harm in sending the enquiry firm and having a chat with someone. What have you got to lose ? (And everything to gain)

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 20/02/2019 12:32

Might be worth posting in Fostering OP, I’m sure there will be posters who can answer your questions, they might not see your post here.

Original poster

Icecreamcarton · 20/02/2019 19:50

Thanks both - I’ll have a look over at the Fostering thread, should have thought of that before!

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Families

DorothyZbornak · 20/02/2019 19:59

My neighbours used to foster, but stopped as they found it too hard, ie: they got so attached to the children they found it very very hard when they had to hand them back.

Original poster

Icecreamcarton · 20/02/2019 21:35

That’s an interesting perspective I’d not even thought of that aspect. Thank you

OP posts:

DorothyZbornak · 20/02/2019 23:23

My neighbours have 3 children of their own and they used get upset too when the foster child left.
I think I'd find it very hard that way too, but everyone is different OP.

thishouseisashittip · 20/02/2019 23:30

I would have to agree with the comments about it being hard when you have to hand the children back. My parents fostered when I was I teenager, I myself found it hard when the children went back to family or on to adoptive parents (one in particular devastated me 😔). It is definitely something to think about whether you can cope with. Pros and cons I guess.

BackforGood · 20/02/2019 23:43

It is worth knowing that there are different types of fostering though - from 'emergency cover' right through to long term (as in years and years) fostering.
A lot of folk do find it difficult when the children leave of course, but you know you have left them in a happier place, and that is so rewarding.
Go and talk to them.

Deadringer · 20/02/2019 23:45

I can't advise on practicalities as I am not in the UK, but I have been a foster mum for many years and it's the best thing I have ever done. We have had a little heart break along the way but it has made us stronger, and we have two beautiful dds now who are an absolute joy, all day every day. If you are interested take the first step, you can change your mind at any time, even after assessments, training, even after a placement you can decide at any time that it's not for you. Good luck.

Flip