Fostering is looking after a child who can no longer be looked after by their family. This may be because of a temporary issue within the family. However, it may be something more serious, such as a family experiencing problems with domestic violence, addiction or abuse. In these circumstances, a child may be removed from their family by local authorities for their safety and protection. A court order will decree if living conditions are not working and allow the child or young person to come under the protection of the law.

Foster care is a way of providing a young person with a stable, safe home environment where they are looked after by a foster parent. This arrangement allows a child who was previously neglected or inadequately cared for to benefit from all the things you would expect in a family; love, respect, security, safety and support.

As a foster carer, you will need to be registered with the relevant body, this could either be the local authorities or an independent fostering agency, like Fusion Fostering! Working with an independent agency (IFA) means you will benefit from training, regular support and supervision, advice and ongoing support throughout the process.

If a young person’s home circumstances change or improve, they may be allowed to return. The ultimate goal with fostering, unlike adoption, is for the child to eventually return to their birth family in the future.

Sometimes, however, birth families may be deemed inadequate to provide for their children and will lose the legal right to custody. In this situation, foster care will need to be provided.

The latest government findings show that there is a rise in the number of children living with foster families in England. In the last four years, there has a been a six per cent hike in numbers, representing around 2,500 children. There is a need for foster carers across England to meet the increasing demands of children in need.

Often, children will have complex needs. They may be neglected, have learning disabilities, behavioural issues or other physical difficulties that would require attentive and specialist care. All children, however, deserve a place to call home; somewhere where they are safe and looked after. That is what lies at the heart of fostering and is what drives Fusion Fostering. We are commited to safeguarding children in every aspect of what we do.

If you have a space in your home and heart, you could really make a difference by choosing to foster a child. If you’re interested in providing a loving family for a child, have ever considered fostering or would simply like to learn more about the process, contact our friendly team at Fusion Fostering today.