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Fostering

What else can I do other than foster?

13 replies

Bangonthedoor · 24/06/2014 22:02

So I've always wanted to foster ever since I can remember. The feeling has only grown since I had my own Daughter who is now 2.1

I am currently expecting baby no.2 and in an ideal world I would love to start fostering later in life when my children are that bit older and I can fully devote myself to it.

HOWEVER, my partner of 7 years has no interest in fostering at all and has said it's an absolutely no go for us. I can't help but feel gutted and like I'm being deprived of something I so long for. On the other hand I completely understand that there is no point trying to persuade him as something like this needs to be a 100% joint decision.

So, that brings me here where I would like to ask if anybody knows if there is anything else I can do to help with the fostering process? Some kind of job role that can kind of be a compromise for me?

It might sound so silly but there's always comments in my local paper and on the radio crying out for foster carers and it makes me feel so sad.

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suzylee73 · 25/06/2014 08:05

What a shame your husband isn't interested, it's not something you can do without him being on board.

The agency I work for employs support workers which might be of interest to you. They basically spend time with children on a one to one basis or as a group doing various activities. I don't know what experience or qualifications they have but you could make enquiries to fostering agencies and the local authority.

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fasparent · 25/06/2014 10:27

You could do a NVQ 3 in Early Education and child care, lot's of foster parents have these qualification's, Will also equip you for a very wide range of opportunity's within the child care sector , in this time you will acquire a vast amount of experience and knowledge, also will help too find suitable employment of hours too fit in with your domestic situation
May be at your child's day care centre or nursery, there lots of places you can e-learn or do NVQ part time.
My own daughter and her friend have followed this pathway and are now in the process of setting up their own Day care nursery after experiencing the work situation.

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fasparent · 25/06/2014 10:35

Sorry should read " Early years Education and child care NVQ CASHE 3."

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Parsnipcake · 25/06/2014 10:40

What about childminding, with an aim to specialise with children with SEN, or being a family aide/ contact worker or independent visitor? Or working as a TA in a school for children with Emotional and Behavioural needs - lots of my foster carer friends have moved into these roles when they have stopped fostering, as the skills are similar.

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Youdontneedacriminallawyer · 25/06/2014 10:48

Why don't you volunteer with Guiding or Scouting? That's something you can start doing immediately, and train on the job. It's ostensibly only 90 mins a week with the kids, but in reallity, you can put in as much time on top of that as you're prepared to. Will give you good credentials if you do go down any of the routes others have mentioned too. In fact, it doesn't even need to be every week - most units will take whatever help they can get.

Both organisations have long waiting lists because there aren't enough adult volunteers to run a suffient number of units to meet demand.

It's very rewarding. I enjoy the residentials, and trips away as much as the weekly meetings as it gives you a chance to get closer to the kids in your unit. It's a more relaxed atmosphere than being in a school I think, though there is supposed to be some learining along with the fun.

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64x32x24 · 25/06/2014 14:08

If you just want to do something 'to do with fostering', you could inquire about volunteering to be on a fostering (or adoption) panel. These are the panels that review applicants, then make a recommendation as to if they should be approved as foster carers/adopters or not. I believe there are usually some independent people on those panels.

Or, you could re-train as SW and seek to work in fostering :) I know someone who did just that, once her children were adults; went back to uni, got a degree, worked in child protection for a while and now in fostering.

If you happen to be a teacher/work at a school, you could aim to become that person who is responsible for LAC within your school.

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Bangonthedoor · 25/06/2014 21:01

Thank you everyone for all your advice Smile I love the idea of being a family aide.

I'll definitely have to look into it once my 2 have grown up a bit

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Nottinghill1 · 26/06/2014 17:26

What about respite fostering,caring for the children when foster carers are on holiday etc?

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psychicpaper · 26/06/2014 18:08

my LA have mentors who take LAC out for a day once a month, and just hang out

I dont see why you couldnt do that?

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PotteringAlong · 26/06/2014 18:13

Google 'big brothers big sisters uk' and your area and you might find a mentoring program?

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FishWithABicycle · 26/06/2014 18:28

You could volunteer to be a mentor/friend to a child in the care system or at risk who needs extra support?

Timebank have a list of opportunities, and some things (like taking kids out for an expedition) might even be possible to do with your own kids in tow, once they are a bit older.

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CharlesRyder · 26/06/2014 18:35

I worked with somebody who just did daily respite. She would take vulnerable children (generally with complex SEN or subject to child protection plans) out of a few hours at a time.

I think it was through a youth charity.

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Bangonthedoor · 26/06/2014 21:15

These are all lovely ideas! I feel excited for my future in this Smile

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