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Fostering

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on fostering.

Do I have any chance?

2 replies

baby0684 · 07/08/2014 09:33

Hi
I am looking into fostering in a year or so. But wonderering if I should just stop thinking about it now.
I have 2 children 1 BD 8yo and 1 AS 2yo. I live in a 3 bed property so would be looking for a 0-2 yo child who would stay in my room.
During the adoption of my son i suffered from depression and am still on anti depressants.
I am going to be leaving my job as the workload is too high, and I cannot leave it at work, and is affecting my home life. So to foster I would be claiming benefits as a single parent.

Do I have any chance of fostering?
I would love to help out families and children in care.
I have met many foster carers, and the one my son had was amazing.

Any advice is greatly recieved.

OP posts:
Gillian1980 · 07/08/2014 12:55

There could be a chance, but perhaps it may be an idea to leave it a while?

I think that during the assessment the following areas would be explored:

You have suffered depression (not in itself a reason to be turned down) but are still on medication. I think they'd want to know whether enough time has passed for you to recover and rebuild your resilience. If you get another period of depression, what support do you have around you? Have you had or are you having counselling to work on any underlying issues?

In addition to this, that you are currently experiencing stress to the extent that you are looking to leave work. This could be no problem but I think they'd want to explore how resilient you are and how you will manage stress when fostering - it can be a really busy, tiring and stressful job.

Also, how long ago did you adopt your son? They would possibly want to know that he has had enough time to attach with you and settle into your family before adding in the complex dynamics of a foster child. And how would he manage having a baby who would take up your time and attention?

Whether the local authority needs carers for babies varies from area to area, but that would make it viable in terms of your accommodation.

That you will be on benefits is not a problem so long as you won't be in any way relying in any income from fostering. Carers can go for long periods without placements sometimes, therefore no payment.

That you have adopted and therefore have experience in integrating a child into your family, adapted to meet his needs etc. could be a real positive.

I'd give the local authority or some agencies a ring to discuss your interest with them. Maybe get their view on whether now would be the right time for you and your family.

mum2tots · 07/08/2014 15:30

All the advice Gillian has given is great. My LA only allow babies up to 6 months to stay in your room as well. But if you have researched i guess you found your LA or agency is different.

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