Fostering in Surrey
Foster carers must be willing to open their hearts and their homes to a child in need, and to provide them with the love and support that they need to thrive.
It may be challenging, but the rewards of fostering are immeasurable. It's an opportunity to make a real difference in the life of a child and to experience the joy of seeing them succeed.
Fostering is not just about providing a temporary home for a child, it is about becoming a part of their lives and helping to shape their future. This requires dedication on the part of the foster carers. It requires patience, understanding, and the ability to adapt to the child's needs. It also requires a willingness to accept the child for who they are, regardless of their background or past experiences.
Fostering can be challenging, but rewarding
Just as love is not always easy, fostering can be challenging. Children who come into care have often experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse. They may struggle with emotions and behaviours and may have difficulty forming attachments.
It's important for foster carers to understand that these challenges are a result of their past experiences and not a reflection of who the child is. It takes time, patience, and a lot of love to help these children heal and grow.
Surrey foster carer, Jess, says "Becoming a foster carer is extremely rewarding. However, you need to have self-awareness and be able to be playful, accepting, empathic and curious as you engage with children who carry the weight of their own story. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, full of uncertainty, but also hope."
Foster carers must be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that comes with fostering. It can be difficult to say goodbye to a child when their time in care comes to an end. Whether it's reuniting them with their birth family or finding them a permanent adoptive home, it can be tough to let go.
But it's important to remember that the ultimate goal is to give the child the best possible chance at a happy and successful life.
For more information about fostering or to have a friendly and informal chat about becoming a foster carer visit the fostering web page or call 0800 096 9626.