Every year thousands of new foster carers are needed to care for the increasing number of vulnerable children coming into care in the UK.
We asked our children and young people what they look for in a foster carer. One of the most important things they wanted was to feel safe. They need someone who will provide them with a stable and loving home environment, where they feel protected and cared for.
Children and young people will find it hard living in a different home away from their family, so they want someone they can trust and make that transition easier for them. Read more on what they said below.
We believe all children and young people deserve a chance to live in a family setting, and we are proud that our foster carers and young people will always be our top priority so we asked our children and young people what qualities they wanted in their foster carer.
Laugh at jokes and enjoy having fun
Be a shoulder to lean on
Be a positive role model
Be an awesome person we want to spend time with
Don't be judgemental
Be honest with us
Get to know who we really are as individuals
Be interested in our school work and hobbies
"They should learn how to draw and do art as this is something I like to do"
Children come into care for a variety of different reasons. This could be on a short-term arrangement due to a family problem or illness, or they may need more permanent care due to experience of physical or emotional abuse, neglect, and domestic violence. Whatever the reason, the child will need the care of a nurturing adult, a foster carer, and a safe place to call home.
Some children return to their family homes, some go on to become adopted and others stay with their foster carers until they are an adult.
Foster carers not only provide daily care for children and young people, but also attend meetings, prepare reports, and collaborate with other professionals involved in the child's well-being. They are responsible for the education and physical and mental health needs of the children, and work closely with their families to facilitate contact and reunification. Attending training sessions is crucial to keep up-to-date with fostering practices and acquire the skills necessary to care for the children.
The rewards that come exclusively with fostering are priceless, but we understand it’s important that foster carers are recompensated with financial benefits too.
The fostering allowance covers the costs of looking after a child, including household expenses, food, clothing, pocket money etc. The allowance is also there to reimburse you for your time and care and to reward you for providing a loving, stable and nurturing home for a child.
The amount of the fostering allowance is determined by a variety of circumstances. Such as the age and the specific needs of the children you care for, the type of fostering and your skills and experience. As you acquire knowledge, skills and confidence as a carer, you may decide to provide therapeutic care for a child or young person. This will require further development and support towards the child and therefore increases your fostering allowance. Visit our allowance calculator to find out more.
Nexus Fostering is a fostering agency like no other. Rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted since 2011, we believe all children and young people deserve a chance to live in a family setting, and we are proud that our foster carers and young people will always be our top priority. We are a fostering family striving to deliver excellent care to children and young people all over England. We offer carers...
Dedicated local social work team and support workers, available 24/7, 365 days a year to ensure the support never stops
Foster carer support groups
Competitive allowance
Access to our Head of Education who supports you, our children and young people
Family social events
A mentor scheme to support you during your assessment and your first year of fostering
Cost of living support and access to exclusive rewards platform with 1000's high street discounts.
Fill out the form below to make an enquiry about fostering. Whether you are only just considering fostering, if you aren't quite ready or are wanting to apply, we welcome the opportunity to discuss fostering with you. Our friendly fostering advisor will call you for an informal initial discussion.
Fill in your details to receive our information pack, directly to your email address.
"We found Nikki to be very knowledgeable on the call. She answered all our questions and gave us so much insight in to fostering and how it can work for us. The call lasted roughly 30 mins and there was no pressure to sign up at all. Highly recommended for anyone considering becoming a foster carer."
Select a date and time using the calendar below and your fostering adviser will call you back for an initial discussion with you about fostering and answer any questions you may have.