Join us for a compelling session featuring Elizabeth Willetts and Casey Bishop from Fostering Solutions as they delve into the critical state of the UK’s foster care system. This insightful discussion highlights the urgent need for foster carers, with over 57,000 children awaiting a nurturing home. Learn about the essential qualifications for becoming a foster carer and hear firsthand from Casey about the supportive journey she guides applicants through.
The session also explores the diverse needs of children in the foster system, emphasising the vital role of integrating these children into loving family environments. Financial considerations, often a concern for potential carers, are candidly addressed, providing clarity on this aspect of foster care. Furthermore, the conversation sheds light on how to balance a professional life with the rewarding responsibilities of foster care.
This session is informative and a call to action for those considering making a profound difference in a child’s life. Join us to learn more about this amazing cause and how you can be a part of someone’s life-changing journey.
Enjoyed this conversation? Then check out our conversation with Caroline Fielder-Shattell and Rachael Tate from the National Fostering Group on the Work It Like A Mum podcast, where they explain how YOU can change a life through fostering. Listen here.
Timestamps
The number of children in foster care (00:00:50)
Discussion about the current number of children in foster care and the shortage of foster carers.
Challenges faced by children in foster care (00:02:11)
Exploration of the difficulties faced by children in foster care, including the need to move to different locations and the possibility of staying in residential homes.
Qualifications and requirements for becoming a foster carer (00:05:26)
Explanation of the qualities and skills needed to become a foster carer, including patience, openness, and a willingness to assess one’s own capabilities.
The integration of birth children and foster children (00:10:03)
Discussion on how to integrate birth children and foster children, ensuring a positive impact on birth children and providing support throughout the fostering journey.
Supporting foster families through events and youth council (00:12:13)
Description of the various events organized for foster families, including Halloween parties and agency days, and the establishment of a youth council for both birth children and foster children.
Training and preparation for foster carers (00:13:30)
Explanation of the training process for foster carers, including a ‘three-day skills to foster’ course, agency days with foster families, therapeutic parenting course, and access to a learning platform for continuous improvement.
The child’s arrival and support (00:18:52)
Describes the process of welcoming a foster child and the support provided by social workers and experienced foster families.
Payment and allowances for foster carers (00:20:22)
Explains that fostering is a paid role, with the amount varying based on the child’s needs, and discusses the financial aspects and support provided to foster carers.
Working while fostering (00:21:52)
The possibility of working while being a foster carer includes different scenarios and considerations, such as flexibility, employer support, and logistics.
Show Links
Find out more about Fostering Solutions here
Learn more about becoming a Foster Carer here
Connect with Elizabeth Willetts on Linkedin
Investing in Women Flexible Working Job Board and Recruitment Site