Can any of us really be foster carers?

The notion that any of us with a spare room and a willingness to support young people is enough to become foster carers highlights the two very basic requirements to become carers.

  • Are you 21 and over
  • Young people require a space that is there’s in the home. 

But we see from the numbers of those leaving fostering that to be successful, a whole host of facets must come together to support those who dedicate their lives to vulnerable young people. A shiny recruitment campaign, a super speedy assessment process, promises of round the clock support and ultimately a ‘bum on a bed’, simply doesn’t serve anyone and people are left chastised by ‘the system’ and the reality of fostering in 2023.  

A reality that is, foster carers need to encompass many different traits. Something our CEO Marina, who has 20+ years experience working with foster families, “can tell in the first 15 minutes of meeting prospective carers whether or not it will work”. 

That’s not down to the size of their house, or their financial circumstance or even their will to become carers. It’s something that isn’t communicated knowingly but those who are successful have an edge, something different and its these individuals who we seek out in our recruitment work. 

Foster carers that go on to work with children for 10, 15 or even 25 years are different. They have a willingness to rise to a challenge, but maintain a softness and sense of humour. They are head-strong yet adaptable, eager to learn yet confident in their abilities. 

Getting to this point doesn’t happen without support or careful matching, but to begin with prospective carers must ask themselves – Can you meet the challenges that fostering young, traumatised children bring?

Are you willing to be adaptable?

Are you dedicated to self development?

Can you put your preconceived notions of parenthood aside and learn new ways to work with children? 

Are you prepared to take on and work with trauma and the unpredictability of it all? 

You may not know the answers when the time comes to enquire. Entering the assessment process may make you think twice, or it could bring a realisation that you are stronger and more fitted to the role than you first thought. 

We, at The Children’s Family Trust pride ourselves on the ability to meet the needs of our carers through personalised support. From Social Workers to Registered Managers to the CEO, we know our carers as individuals, something we cannot achieve if we had bottom-lines, rushed assessment processes or profit margins to meet. 

We work as a unit. 

Fostering is about confidence, personality and passion. Everyone COULD become a foster carer, but to be successful requires much much more than simply love and spare bed. 

AN ENQUIRY IS NO COMMITMENT

If you have the time, space, willingness and passion for fostering young people – get in touch

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So come prepared with your questions. Plus its our opportunity to get to know you, understand your motivation to work in this sector and get a good understanding of your experience and background.
The first step.
Is either a face to face interview carried out in person or via TEAMS. If you’re successful, the next stage is a more formal interview with at least two members of our team. At least one of the interview panel will have been trained in the NSPCC safer recruitment standards.
You might be invited for a second interview.
Or we might ask you to prepare a presentation or other sample of work. Think about what the role requires and prepare to show you’re a great fit.
We’ll carry out a criminal record check.
Bring the necessary identity documents to your formal interview. The address on the documents should match the address on your application form. You’ll need proof of your right to work in the UK, you will be provided with a list of approved identification documents in line with The Disclosure and Barring Service and proof of your address.
Certificates!
Remember to bring any qualification certificates that are required for the role.
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Be a successful candidate!
Read through our hints and tips and give yourself the best chance at a career with The CFT.
Do your research!
Look at our website and check that you match our outlook and culture.
Apply via our application form.
We require a fully completed application form, we’ll ask for your full employment history from age 16, include all job titles, employment dates and your reason for leaving – and if there are any gaps, please tell us why.
We’ll need contact details of referees.
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We’ll carry out a criminal record check.
If you’ve lived abroad within the last ten years, you might also be asked to complete an overseas criminal record check.
If your application is successful.
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