To consider fostering?

[DrizzleKicks]

After several years of trying, investigations, failed operations and procedures, DH & I have decided to accept we are unable to have our own DC.

It's a relief in a way; just to come to terms with infertility at this point is much easier than battling it.

I've always considered fostering; maybe slightly older kids that are going through a rough time. I had an awful childhood and can relate to trauma, and would love to help someone work through their life offering stability and love.

Does anyone have any experience of fostering? How hard/easy is the process? I'd appreciate hearing any experiences.

The thing is, fostering isn't having your own DC, although you can have long term foster placements you don't have PR.

It's also difficult to work outside of the home with a foster child or children.

Wouldn't adoption be better?

Do you know there’s a fostering board? Might be worth a read. (Under Becoming a Parent).

@neversaw no, I'm not considering adoption. DH and I are effectively retired so being home isn't an issue at all.

@womanaf thanks!

I'd definitely look into it

I think it's a brilliant thing to do. However, someone I know has recently stopped fostering, because she said that due to all of the cuts there just isn't enough support for the children AND for foster carers, particularly for those who are taking on children with complex needs. She said as a caring person, who just wanted to offer children who had had a bad start a home, she didn't feel that it was safe (for her own children) or for herself to have disturbed or difficult children to care for, without back up and support from other agencies that used to be there until austerity kicked in.....