I think I'd like to be a foster parent?!

[Littlefluffyclouds13]

I have worked in early years for nearly 30 years, have 2 dc, one is away at uni and the other will be doing the same in a few years.
I'm 50 but (am regularly told!) have boundless energy, probably thanks to my job and feel I have years of 'parenting' left in me.

I've worked in a large state primary school for the last 10 and have experience of attachment disorder etc and obviously have a really good understanding of child development.

Would I be a good candidate? What are local authorities looking for? I wasn't sure if I was too old, we do have the occasional parent at school who foster but they have all been much younger than me.

I'm married and have a spare room if that's relevant!

most foster carers are over 50. Tandem are an independent organisation for foster carers that can offer good advice. Take a look
www.tandemservices.org/join-us
I am a member but have no role or financial interest in the organisation.

Thank you, that's really helpful. Plus glad to hear I'm not too old!

I think you sound like you would be wonderful.

You sound ideal. The bit that most potential carers struggle with is that you need to be available for all sorts and have low commitments of your own. For example court ordered contacts 3 times a week.

You can contact your local authority and they will visit you and take you through it and do some preliminary assessment. At least my local authority do that here.

My big commitment really is my job, it's full on but I plan to leave in the next few years.
I don't really have any time consuming hobbies, I'm very family oriented and in normal times I spend my spare time with either family or my closest friends.
I haven't spoken to both my dc but my older dd loves the idea and I expect my younger dc would feel the same. Obviously dh is on board but obviously the bulk of care would be my responsibility.

Go for it!!

Any fostering organisation is likely to snap you up ! I have been a member of 2 fostering panels over the yrs and you sound like exactly the sort of individual / family with the right set of skills for fostering. The only issue I could see would be what a PP referenced in relation to availability during the day for meetings and contact but if you negotiate flexible working that could be an option .

I am 57 and gave up work two years ago to foster. I have a background in special schools and in children with complex health needs and now I predominately foster babies, no-one from the LA suggested we were too old when we applied. It is hard work and all encompassing work though as even the babies often come with some level of emotional trauma, you need to be prepared for the level of your emotional involvement but in some ways I think being older helps as I am not tempted to adopt every baby that comes my way (well I am but my rational side knows that would be a bad idea for me and them).

From a social worker... go for it. Your age is irrelevant and you're background sounds great. I would advise to contact your local authority and begin the assessment process. You will see from that whether it's for you or not. There's a lot of kiddies who need a home and people to care for them. Even if you did respite (emergency duty) until you decide if you wish to carry on!