News and blogs document Foster blog - Tabitha and Chris
Doing normal things
It’s about doing normal things at a time when everything is not normal in their lives. Trips to the shops, cuddles after a bad dream, helping with homework and just being there.
But what do you actually need to be a foster carer?
We obviously need to make sure it’s right for you and that is about having a conversation, but let’s start with some boxes you don’t need to tick. Some of them might surprise you.
- You don’t need to own your own home. Renting is fine as long as you have a stable tenancy and a spare room.
- You have to be over 18 but there is no upper age limit. We have foster carers in their 70s.
- You don’t need to be married. You can be single or with a partner – as long as you have love to give.
- Having a disability won’t stop you from fostering if you are active, emotionally strong and can care for the child.
- You can have kids of your own. Foster carers come in all shapes and sizes and so do the children and young people who need them.
Tabitha and Chris are foster carers in Eynsham
They’re passionate about improving the lives of some of our most vulnerable children and talk frankly about their experience and what they've discovered.
It takes a community
“I think the thing that has surprised us the most is just what a positive experience being foster carers has brought to all our family and friends.
It’s a tough profession and a big decision and you need the support of those around you to recognise that you’re taking it on, and that being a good foster carer will need so much of your love and attention.
It’s amazing what skills you have but may not know it yet.
The idea of being a foster carer sounds so simple and perhaps some people look at it with rose tinted glasses a bit. The idea of helping a child who has had it really tough – that’s very rewarding.
Making a difference to any child’s life is a brilliant ambition and it takes a team effort of all those around you and the child.”
These kids have so much going on - so much to deal with
"However amazing you are, they’ve been taken out of a situation they know and understand and part of those early days are about respecting that. Giving them space and helping them navigate a new world.
That might involve new people, a new town – possibly even a new school. That’s a big deal.
Being flexible in your approach to allow them the space to feel safe, secure and cared for is so important. As is understanding that things change at the drop of a hat."
You need to be child focused
“That means understanding what it means for any child that comes to live with us.
It’s massive for them and the emotions will be high. Making sure you have support outside the family home helps deal with the challenges that brings.
And at any point we know we can reach out to other foster carers. At the end of the day they are the experts, they have been there and done that.”
The best decision we have ever made
“It was a combination of help from the amazing social workers who are on hand from Oxfordshire County Council, the great training and our own friends and family that has made this the best decision we have ever taken.
Everyday there is something that brings a smile to our face and maybe a few tears too, it’s definitely a journey.”
Learn more
If you want to learn more about what it takes to be a foster carer, our team is available to talk to you - no strings attached, at your pace.
Find out more about the process of becoming a foster carer or take a look at more stories from foster carers.
Get in touch
Give us a call on 0300 131 2797. We're open 9am - 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 9am - 4pm, Friday.
Send an email to info@lafosteringse.org.uk or complete our online form.
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We're part of something bigger
Oxfordshire County Council is proud to partner with 19 other local councils in a regional fostering recruitment hub, Local Authority Fostering South East.