Could you become a foster parent?

Dec. 17, 2010 - PRLog -- There is a myth that only certain people can become foster parents. This isn't the case. As long as you have a spare bedroom, you can drive and you are willing to include the looked after youngster as part of your family, offering a safe and secure environment for them to live in, fostering could be a rewarding career change for you.

There are currently 60,000 youngsters in the care system in the UK with 42,000 of these in foster care. The majority of these youngsters are aged 10 to 15 and there is currently a shortage of around 10,000 foster carers nationwide.

There are many challenges faced by foster carers as the youngsters can often have behavioural problems, display challenging behaviour and have emotional issues due to their history. Foster carers need to be optimistic, determined, be good listeners and have a good sense of humour. It is also imperative that foster carers take advantage of the training offered to them by their fostering agency or local authority giving them the tools and skills they need to become a successful professional foster carer.

The rewards of being a foster parent are great. Foster carers really can make a difference to young people's lives having a positive impact and preparing them for a healthy and productive adulthood.

Diane and Rick who are foster parents with Hampshire based Independent Fostering Agency, Blue Sky Fostering explain: "For us fostering a child is both challenging and rewarding at the same time. It's important to go into it with your eyes open and to expect all sorts of situations, but the chance to make a difference outweighs any difficulties you might experience."

If you are interested in changing your career and becoming a foster carer in the south of England visit http://www.blueskyfostering.com or call Blue Sky Fostering on 0845 6076697.




Notes to editors

About Blue Sky Fostering
Blue Sky Fostering was established in 2005 to address the need for more foster carers in the south of England. Since then we have built a reputation for excellence providing extensive training and support throughout the challenges of being a professional foster carer. Working together with our foster carers we believe we can help every child reach their full potential regardless of their previous life experiences.
Based in Romsey, Hampshire, but operating across the south of England, Blue Sky supports over 70 foster carers, caring for around 80 children across the region. In 2008, Blue Sky was deemed an 'outstanding' fostering provider following an inspection by Ofsted.

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About Foster Care
Across England there are an estimated 60,000 children in the care system. Over 42,000 of these children and young people are in foster care. The majority are aged between 10 and 15. The need for private fostering homes is increasing each year with a shortfall of around 10,000 foster carers nationwide.

For more information about Blue Sky Fostering and the work we do please contact Katrina McDuff on katrina@blueskyfostering.co.uk or 01794 590003