How will fostering affect my family? | Fostering impacts

What impact will fostering have on my family?

Fostering can be a hugely enriching experience for your children, teaching them important life skills like empathy and compassion. They’ll learn how to work as part of a team and build relationships that can last a lifetime.

But it’s not always easy. They’ll have to learn to share your time and attention, along with their space and personal belongings. And it can be upsetting for your children when it’s time for a child or young person to move on. That’s why we’re there for them just as much as we’re there for you.

If you’re thinking of becoming a foster carer we’d encourage you to discuss it with your children as soon as possible. Fostering will affect their lives, so it’s important to listen to their views before making your decision. It is important to consider the impacts of fostering on the foster family.

Support for birth children

At FCA Scotland we care for the whole fostering family. Your children are part of your fostering family and will also receive support as part of the support package that we offer to your fostering household. For example, when your Social Worker visits you at home they’ll make time to talk to your child about their feelings and listen to their worries or concerns.

We also organise dedicated activities for birth children where they can meet other children who have parents fostering. And, of course, your own children are always included in all our family events and activities because fostering involves the whole family! As well as support and guidance for children and young people who foster, there are also opportunities for birth children over the age of 18 to attend training and/or support groups.

Are you thinking of fostering?

Download the FCA’s complete beginner’s guide to fostering a child. Find out more on how to foster a child and the process involved.

DOWNLOAD GUIDE

Frequently asked questions

Can a foster child share a bedroom?

No, every child and young person requires their own space, regardless of whether they’ve been raised in foster care.

A bedroom is a space in which children and young people can call theirs, giving them the much needed opportunity to play, discover, be imaginative and creative all without excessive disruptions. Some children who fostered may be troubled from previous experiences so providing a bedroom for them will help them to process events from their life and give them a place for time to reflect and think. Somewhere they can feel calm and relaxed.

I have small children, can I still foster?

It completely depends on your personal circumstances and whether you’re able to meet the needs of a child in care.

We work with children and young people who may need a lot of care and attention to help them develop and reach their full potential.

As part of the process to become a foster carer, we’ll provide you with lots of information about the role and what to expect, so you’re able to make an informed decision about whether fostering is right for you and your family.

Can you foster if you have pets?

Yes of course, pets are part of your family too. Animals can help children to relax and settle into a new home, but we do need to make sure there is no risk involved. As part of your assessment, we’ll complete a pet questionnaire to help us determine whether your pet is safe to be around foster children. We cannot accept applications from anybody who has a banned breed in the UK, as part of the Dangerous Dog Act.

Can I still work and be a foster carer?

Ideally we ask for at least one foster carer to be available for fostering on a full-time basis, so that we can ensure that the child or young person in your care is being looked after in the best way possible. As a foster carer, you have responsibility for day-to-day tasks; the school run, be available during school holidays, attend medical appointments on behalf or with your child, attend training, review meetings. Should you have a problem on an odd occasion, your supervising social worker can help you make alternative arrangements.

Fostering finance calculator

The amount you receive in foster care payments varies from placement to placement. We understand that some children have more challenging needs and requirements than others, and that sometimes you’ll need a helping hand. Factors such as this, along with the age of the child being placed with you and the type of placement, can all affect the allowances and fostering payments you’ll receive.

Find out what payments you could receive

Speak to our team

Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to chat to an expert, we’re here to help.

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