Who can foster?
If you have a spare room in your house and the instinct to care for a child in your heart.
If you are aged over 21 and have some experience or knowledge of looking after a child and have the time in your life to give to a child. Then you can talk to us about fostering.
We know that making the decision to foster is a big step.
Our aim is to guide and support you on every step of your journey as you make one of the biggest, yet most rewarding decisions anyone can make.
Just like parents, foster carers have many responsibilities which need to be undertaken to bring out the best in a child.
You will need to:
• Establish and maintain a good routine for children.
• Treat all children as individuals and as part of your family.
• Work as part of a team with staff and professionals from many agencies.
• Actively encourage children to learn, and help them to feel positive about their background, culture and religion.
• Promote the healthy growth and development of a child, particularly with regards to their health and education.
• To speak up for the child (or children) in order to ensure that they receive good care and the opportunities to develop.
• Build relationships with children and also assist them in keeping in contact with others who are important to them, in order to promote, sustain and create good relationships.
• Deal responsibly with confidential information, keeping written records about each child’s care and contribute to reports about the child.
• Complete the appropriate training courses provided to develop your skills.
• Provide a safe, caring and nurturing environment for the child(ren) or young people you look after.
• Ensure, at all times, that the child(ren) you’re caring for are kept safe from harm and abuse and taught how to get help if anything untoward should happen to them.
• Be able to manage a child’s behaviour without resorting to physical or inappropriate punishment.
As part of being a foster carer for Sandwell, you will receive on-going training & support, have your own dedicated social worker and receive regular supervision.
You’ll also have access to lots of other services to support and assist you and any children you may be caring for. As a foster carer for Sandwell you’ll be continuing to learn and develop your skills throughout your fostering journey.