Advice on FOSTERING Please!

[ECD1970]

A little bit about me in a nutshell!

I am thinking of fostering and my reasons are below!
I have already contacted my local council and will be attending an information session soon.

I am still in full time employment and also thinking or early retirement sometime soon. I am so sad just thinking of leaving work.

The reason been, I have four children, my oldest will be starting university soon.
Second child is disabled but goes to a special school during the day
Third child is at school up to 3:15
Forth child is almost 3 years old and not in nursery yet.

Thats my reason for early retirement from full time employment.
Childcare cost is calculated at well over £2000 per month. I dont even earn that much.
My disabled sons after school sessions (about 2 hours) the council wants £63 per day because of his 1:1 special care.

My husband works full time too and we can manage on one salary as he is the highest earner.

I am not sure because we already have 3 young children at home and one with a disablity if fostering is even possible.

It would be a shame if it is not possible as we are such a happy and out going family. We have so much to give and it would be a joy and a blessing to share some of our happiness and love. I really want to make a difference in other peoples lives. And at the same time earn a little extra.

When my daughter leaves for university soon, we will have two bedrooms free as supppose to the one required for fostering!

I know I will get answers at the meeting but I cant wait to find out and the council website doesnt mention having children of your own if it will cause a problem.

I appreciate your comments please.

This is a very difficult decision to make regarding work and fostering and our childrens future. Therefore, it anyone has any really negative comment to make, I shall simply ignore them! Thank you.

I know some one who has six children and fosters

Their are also who have disabled children and foster

It just depends its not really the amount of children you have but how your particular family operate

I have a bio dd and he has special needs didn't stop me to be honest having a disabled son should not stop you from fostering its all about weather you can cope and you clearly seem like you can

Good luck

I think it is a great idea and might be hard work but you are probably used to that! Good luck and let us know how you do.

maypole1 oh gosh, I never thought that was possible - thank you for that.
bonnieslilsister thank you. I have a meeting this evening, my first of many I suppose.

It's not the size of the family it's the age of the child. Sometimes there are rules about having the child you foster at least 2 years younger than your youngest.

Most probably for the reason that the foster child will need a lot of attention and this might be divided if you have toddlers. I can imagine they would bite your hand off once your youngest goes to school since you've alreasy proved how good your coping/management skills are.

Dito what everyone else has said, if you have the room, and the energy to foster then I am sure they will be delighted to have you apply

keep us up to date on how things are going :)

I got in touch with a private agency and they wouldn't have anyone who had a child under 10. My son is now at school and it is something I have considered for sometime.

Sailorsgal, private agencies are often used for very difficult cases, so I can understand why they won't accept anyone with a child under 10, I would be surprised if you got the same answer if you contacted your LA