Fostering with us and the difference it makes
Keep Oxfordshire's children in the county - could you be the one?
It might be early days and you’re just curious, you may have questions that you need answering or you’ve been thinking about fostering for a while, and you’re ready to take the next step - read on to hear from some of our foster carers who have shared their experiences with us.
What’s involved in fostering?
If you have questions, why not join us for one of our events. We’re often out and about, or online. Speak to one of the team.
Read the transcript
The assessment process is a little bit like a series of interviews which might sound a bit formal.
You’ll be assigned a social worker who will come round to your house, and you’ll spend time together kind of exploring about fostering. So we want to kind of get to know all about you really.
So wee will perhaps come and see you five or six times and each time we’ll let you know what we’re going to be chatting about beforehand.
Often people might find it quite intrusive but it’s really important that we really do a robust and thorough assessment.
You know we’re placing looked after children with carers so we need to know as much as we can about their background and what’s kind of made them want to foster so that we can really understand their strengths and their skills so that we can best place the child with them. So we give the placement the best chance of success.
Laura
Laura from Bicester makes sure fostering fits around her life and her son.
"Becoming a foster carer is amazing – there is nothing like it – but we come in all different shapes and sizes, just like birth parents. As my son grew, I needed to change who and how I fostered. I started with teenagers and that was great, but now with younger children my son can build an easier connection.
When I see new foster carers, I can see the training they get really helps build confidence, but it’s the network of other foster carers – that chance to share – that makes the most difference."
Tabitha and Chris
Tabitha and Chris from Eynsham have found fostering to be a really positive experience.
“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.
Everyday there is something that brings a smile to our face and maybe a few tears too, it’s definitely a journey.”
Sam
Sam from Oxford has been a carer for many years.
“There are lots of different sorts of fostering. Emergency care and full time foster care is probably what people think of first. And Oxfordshire children are waiting now for their foster family – I know we desperately need new carers to keep our children local.
It’s so varied from day to day and week to week. The child’s circumstances dictate it though.
Generally, there’s meetings with the child’s social worker, my supervising social worker, maybe the health visitor, family nurse practitioner, or there maybe health issues so trips to the JR or Nuffield. That might sound pretty heavy, but they are all about supporting you and the child you’re caring for. Of course, they don't all happen in the same week either!“
Hear more from some of our foster carers
Meet Neil
Video transcript
So I didn’t really know what to expect. What I can say is that I am very pleased I took the plunge. It’s been a challenge, but it’s been an amazing challenge.
It hasn’t been very difficult for me and my family. As a matter of fact, it’s been a blessing for all of us.
Our children have grown up always having an older sibling you could say, and they’ve enjoyed this as much as I me and my wife have.
So all I could say for you. If you want to take this plunge, I would encourage you fully.
Meet Jill
Video transcript
Well the rewards are so easy to talk about and just having a child come into your home who for whatever reason hasn’t had the most positive experiences so far – to be able to give them that and just seem them blossom, into the person that you know they were intended to be is just amazing really and it’s been a real privilege to be able to do that.
Meet Kev
Video transcript
It does take work. It takes a lot of work. Some of them come and they just fit in and they are very very easy.
Others just come there and they test you, they always test to see whether or not you actually can look after them.
That can put people off but don’t let it. There’s always a lot of support if you need it and there’s always someone you can talk to give advice.