5 Reasons why You should consider fostering teens

Here are five reasons why if you're considering applying to become a foster carer, you should think about Transforming Lives: Fostering Teenagers in the North East . 

1. Teenagers in your area urgently need foster families 

When we started to develop the support at the Foster with North East support hub, we asked people about their fostering knowledge, views and experiences. Of those who had considered fostering teenagers, 13 per cent said they were most likely to want to look after younger teens aged 12-14. But only 9% said they'd be most likely to want to care for young people aged 14-17. If you're looking for a way you can make a significant difference, welcoming a fostered teen into your home could change your life and theirs. 

2. You can make a positive impact within your local community 

As there is a shortage of foster parents for teenagers, without more carers, young people from this age group are more likely to need to move somewhere unfamiliar. This can mean changing schools or separation from support networks and important people. By giving teens the foundations to thrive, you can help local families and support generational change in your community. 

                                                                             Get a fostering information pack

"Last year, one of the girls we look after wanted to do beauty and hairdressing. We helped her get into college because she didn't want to go to school. She went to college at 15 and studied beauty alongside doing schoolwork. And it meant we got to do some things together, which was great." Viv, foster carer 

3. Teenager fostering could be a great fit for your circumstances 

During the Foster care application & approval process, you will explore how different types of foster care and age ranges might work for you. Teenagers don't typically need support with physical tasks such as bathing or dressing like younger children do. Most teenagers also go to school or college through the day. Teen independence can give more flexibility for foster carers to work outside the home, like Redcar council foster carers Ian and Mandy.

4. You can make a huge (and lifelong) impact 

Sometimes there's a misconception that fostering older children means it's harder to build a bond or to make a difference in their lives. Teenagers may be more ready to voice their opinions but they're also usually better at communicating their needs and feelings. 

If you think back to your own teenage years, you might remember a period with some change and uncertainty. The teen years are a time for changes to our body clocks, brain wiring and big decisions. There are also social and educational pressures. 

Our foster carers frequently tell us that while fostering teenagers has its challenges, it's a real privilege to watch and help young people grow. As a teen carer you'll help them develop the life skills needed for adulthood, and support them to aim high and plan for their future. 

If I hadn't found Deborah and Steven, I don't think I'd be where I am now. Because it's not a nice way to live the way I was living. I've had social services involved in my life since I was two, it's been rocky at home. It was surrounded by violence, and that was just what I was accustomed to."  Shannon, teenager

5. You'll get specialist training and support 

If you had ruled out fostering a teen because you've not parented or worked with the age group before, please don't let that hold you back. Our Foster with north East partner councilswill provide all the free specialist fostering training and classes, plus support you need for this important role. And if you're wondering how much allowance you get for fostering a teenager, you should know that foster carer pay adjusts with the age of the child. 

You also don't need to have worked with children or have children of your own, though we often find people who have worked in the youth sector find their way into fostering although this is of course not essential. From your very first chat with us, you'll have access to support from a foster carer buddy from our community, who can share their experiences and advice with you. 

The North East fostering community is very supportive with support groups and events where you can meet experienced foster carers of teens. The Mockingbird fostering model is also providing extra support to North East teens and their carers, check out Lesley and Anth's story and Leyton's story. You can also read foster carer tips for fostering teens from experienced carers Kath and Alan. 

Could you share your home to shape a teen's future? 

Could you be the 'someone in their corner' a North East teen needs? If you'd like to find out more about how to foster a teenager in the North East, we're here to answer your questions about fostering withyour local council with Foster with North East. Enquire now,  call our hub team on 0800 917 7771 or find a fostering information event near you. 

Read more fostering news, information and tips