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Fostering

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

Original poster

Just entering the process of becoming foster parents

12 replies

Newbies2017 · 26/09/2020 21:20

Hello, we [name removed by MNHQ] have just started the process of being assessed to become foster parents. We are apprehensive but excited about entering the process and eventually being approved. We would love to hear from any other people out there who - like us are just starting their journey or from those who have recently been approved and are in the early days of fostering. Any feedback, useful information and general information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, we look forward to hearing from you all x [name removed by MNHQ]

OP posts:
mumofblueeyes · 26/09/2020 22:44

Hi. We are week 1 into our journey! We were approved last week and had a complex little one arrive the next day. Ask me anything, private message me if you prefer x

Original poster
Newbies2017 · 26/09/2020 23:23

Hi mumofblueeyes, thank you for replying...still working out how to work my way around this site ..am I right in thinking, if I want to private message I click on your username? I’m quite happy to use the open forum at this point but thank you x So how did you find the whole process from the beginning? How are you coping with your complex little one ? X

OP posts:
mumofblueeyes · 27/09/2020 16:59

Hi. We started the process in about March so it took about six months. I am not sure there is any correlation between the training and the reality! The social workers doing our training were all lovely but the content seemed to be skewed to equality, diversity, transgender etc and there was lots of stuff about not judging teenagers who were refugees. Some stuff on safe caring (not putting yourself at risk). However, in our first week we have dealt with everything from a screaming, traumatised baby to forensic photographers, medical exams and contact arrangements with bail conditions in place. This week has certainly been a learning experience but we are starting to get into a routine. Good luck with your journey x

Original poster
Newbies2017 · 27/09/2020 17:18

Hello again, wow you really have been thrown into the deep end ..I would love to private message you as you are clearly on my wavelength and think we could be mutually supportive going forward ? We are in South Wales, where about are you ? If you are happy to private message let me know how I do that on here please...x how have you coped, do you have a good network of family and friends in place ? Do you still have children at home? Sorry for all the questions..we are excited but apprehensive x

OP posts:
Luckypoppy · 27/09/2020 17:28

Hi lovely, I would maybe suggest removing your real names from this post. The assessment for becoming a foster parent is difficult enough without you having more scrutiny.

Good luck. It's throughly rewarding. X

Original poster
Newbies2017 · 27/09/2020 17:37

Thank you Luckypoppy, probably good advice as we certainly are very new at all of this ....but would like to build a line of communication with like minded newbies....any suggestions ? X

OP posts:
mumofblueeyes · 27/09/2020 18:24

Very happy to private message, just not sure how to do this!

Luckypoppy · 30/09/2020 23:25

I'm sure people can private message you on here. Just leave your names for that xxx

caringcarer · 01/10/2020 00:21

Hi, I have been a foster carer for 8 years now. I used to be a secondary teacher so was expecting to get difficult teens. Instead we got lucky and hot a cute 5 year old with a learning disability. He is still with us and 14 now.

The training you do has to be done again every 3 years but Safeguarding every year.

We have been through some difficult times with DC mostly educational but he is settled into s special secondary now.

I am happy to chat you through the assessment process if you want to pm me.

You should not use your real names in open forum.

Cupoftchaiagain · 28/10/2020 15:21

Hi @Newbies2017you need to report your own post and ask Mumsnet to remove your names. As others have said not a good idea to leave them up theee on the internet

Mumsnext1979 · 30/10/2020 08:11

My OH and I were approved in August and had our first placement a few weeks later. A 4 day old drug dependent girl. Process to becoming FP took almost 18 months and we seriously thought about calling it quits due to the inefficiencies and bureaucracy.
Best decision we made. So happy we stuck with it and whilst we’re only had her weeks she has added so much to our family life. We have 2 children of our own under 5.

rescuewoman · 02/11/2020 13:58

ive just finished my form F and due to go to panel in early dec, during my process there were alot of umms and errs to questions as to be honest i cant remember what i did last week let alone some thing that happened 30 years ago LOL, i had to make a few adjustments to the house, thumb locks on the toilet door ect but it wasnt a issue to do. good luck x

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