Blue Sky Fostering Publishes "Fostering – It enhances your own family life"

May 8, 2012 - PRLog -- Dena has been a foster carer for 11 years and has fostered 35 children and young people from babies to teenagers and mum and babies.

Dena became used to fostering from an early age as her mother fostered when Dena was 12 years old so she had a good understanding of the task ahead so when her son reached 16 she decided to take the plunge. Dena now fosters with her civil partner Linda and Linda’s son for Blue Sky Fostering and they explain: “We both like living in a busy, vibrant household and love to see the progress each young person has made during their time with us. It’s very rewarding knowing that the input we give has an impact on their whole future life. We teach and support young people with things like low self esteem, anger issues, self personal care, keeping themselves safe, independence skills and growing their stronger self image.”

The couple say that fostering can be a challenge and suggest that it is important to do your research – “Talk to a variety of existing foster carers to gain insight and perspectives, attend training and make sure you ask any questions you have. Fostering has enhanced our family life but it is a big commitment not to be taken lightly. At times, everyone, including ex-foster children still need some attention and support so it is vital that you make time for each other to keep your own relationship on track.”

To find out more about fostering, whether you are interested in fostering a teenager or a  very young child, you can book a place on Blue Sky Fostering’s free one day Introduction to Fostering course at Hollingbury Golf Course on 13th June where Dena will be on hand to answer questions.

Blue Sky Fostering are also taking part in this year’s Fostering Fortnight which is a campaign dedicated to highlighting the shortage of foster carers and raising awareness. This year’s Fostering Fortnight runs from the 14th May to the 27th May and more information can be found on the website. Blue Sky Fostering can be contacted on 0845 6076697 or through http://www.blueskyfostering.com

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 Fostering supports over 90 foster carers, caring for over 100 children across the region. Blue Sky Fostering was rewarded an Outstanding rating by Ofsted in two consecutive reports in 2008 and 2011.

About Foster Care

Across England there are an estimated 64,000 children in the care system. Over 44,000 of these children and young people are in foster care. The majority are aged between 10 and 15. The need for foster carers 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

Photo:
https://www.prlog.org/11869251/1