What to think about at home before fostering
Before fostering, we find that potential foster carers can worry they don't have the 'right' kind of home. Our research shows 55 per cent of households in the North East have at least one spare room that could be suitable for fostering.
When we take potential foster carers through the approval process, the truth is your personality is much more important than your postcode. You do need enough room to comfortably look after a child but beyond this, the most important thing is that your home is safe and creates a welcoming family environment. Let's take a look at some of the things to think about at home when you're considering fostering.
Is my home suitable for fostering?
People sometimes think they need to own a big 'fancy' house to become a foster carer. Our foster carers live in all kinds of houses in neighbourhoods across the North East of England. There's no 'typical' foster home, just like there's no 'typical' foster carer, as like our children and young people, all circumstances are unique and individual.
You don't need to own your own home to be a foster carer, you can be renting a property privately or from a local authority. Your ability to meet the needs of the children you'll care for in a safe, warm and loving environment is what we consider. You can find more information about what a home needs for fostering and in questions about foster carer homes.
How much space do I have and need?
Foster care and spare bedrooms
If you want to foster babies, some of our partner authorities do allow babies to sleep in cots in foster carer's rooms. In some circumstances there's also the potential for siblings to share a room if a social worker agrees it's in their best interests.
As you move through the assessment process, your social worker will talk with you about the space you have available in your home and what would work best for you, your family and any potential child or children.
What makes a good foster home?
"We don't expect the Ritz, but we do expect the best for our young people. As long as your home is clean, safe and warm, and you can fill it with love and laugher then you want to hear from you." Jonny, Foster with North East Social Worker
Is my family ready?
We know that fostering is a big step for any family. If you're considering fostering, you'll want to involve all members of the household in deciding if and when you're ready to progress. You can prepare to become a fostering family by talking about what fostering is and what it involves, how it changes lives and what changes it might mean for you as a family. You should also talk about how the needs of your children will be considered throughout the approval process. Our Foster with North East hub team and your assessing social worker will be on-hand to offer guidance throughout.
What makes a foster home welcoming?
You might find out a child's favourite snacks and foods, toys or television programmes to help you prepare for their arrival. For a child in unfamiliar surroundings, sometimes these elements of familiarity can be the reassuring and simple welcome they need.
Could you share your home to shape their future?
There are children and young people across the North East who need safe and nurturing homes. Sharing your home could help shape their future. You can explore how you can make fostering work for you with the help of the Foster with North East hub support team. You can call us on 0800 917 7771 or enquire now and we'll get back to you.
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