What our carers say about fostering

What makes a good carer

“A good foster carer should be able to give the children a loving, safe, caring environment. You should be able to build a good relationship with the child’s parents and remember that this is a very difficult time for them as well. Working with parents is part of the job of being a foster carer. Don’t be negative or judgemental. Be an advocate and a supporter of the child, especially at reviews. Recognise the importance of their education and support them with it. Keeping information confidential is vital.”
Janice Fishendon

“Listening and patience come first. Being organised and able to think on your feet so you can act at a moments notice whatever comes next. Make sure you can always make some time for your own children.”
Zoe Snell

“Lots of patience and you’ve got to want to do it! You need to be a good listener, sensitive and show empathy. Have rules but be fairly laid back about what is thrown at you. Be consistent in what you do and if possible have eyes in the back of your head.”
Gerry and Lorraine Allen

“Staying relaxed. You’ve got to be caring and understanding and most of it is then common sense. You’ve got to want to nurture children and experience will then teach you so much. You have to work with so many different professionals. You do have to sacrifice some of your own life to foster and many things become harder so people should always think long and hard about whether fostering is right for them.”
Julie Llong and Daniel Clarke

“First of all you have to have love for a child. You have to be able to feel empathy for the child and their family. This will help you see beyond a difficult situation or problem behaviour. You need to be able to go that extra mile. Sometimes you take on caring for the whole family and not just the child. You have to have a giving spirit and be tolerant. And remember, carers don’t get to go off sick.”
Joanna Kinch