You Could Foster

Are you aged between 21-35?

More young adults are being encouraged to consider fostering after it was revealed that just 4% of foster carers are aged under 34 years-old.

Research by charity the Fostering Network has found that three quarters of foster carers are aged over 45-year-old – nearly a third (30%) are also over 55 year of age.

The fostering charity said with almost a third foster carers approaching the age where they may consider retiring, more had to be done to recruit younger people.

The Covid-19 pandemic saw many local authorities and independent fostering agencies step up their efforts to recruit foster carers to provide stable homes for children.

Against the backdrop of an ongoing national shortage of foster carers, the crisis initially saw the number of people able to provide foster care placements shrink.

However, lockdown has made people re-evaluate their priorities, prompting a surge in interest.

More than 8,600 new foster families will be needed across the UK in 2021, according to The Fostering Network.

Why choose us?

Our passion is supporting children alongside the amazing individuals and families who open up their lives to care for them.

Becoming a foster carer

Fusion Fostering recognises that the decision to foster is one of the biggest life changes you will make. Becoming a foster carer is a lifestyle choice that needs to include the whole family. Taking the time to give your loved ones the opportunity to explore what it will mean for them, ask questions and discuss any reservations is important.

Being a foster parent is rewarding – but it can also be challenging. Some young people need additional support in their foster home. That’s why we employ professionals, both internally and externally, to support you, your family and the young person.

Is this the right time?

Think about why you want to foster and why this is now the right time. Do you have the support of your immediate and wider family? Fostering in many ways is a lifestyle choice and impacts upon all those involved often in ways you may not have considered. A good agency will explore these issues in depth and assist you to ensure it is the right decision and the right time.

Choosing the right agency

It will come as no great surprise that quality organisations reflect the quality people that work and develop them. What are your first impressions of the welcomeyou receive? Are your questions and concerns answered fully and with clarity? How comfortable do you feel at each stage of the process with both the people and ethos? Is the agency well structured, organised, professional and knowledgeable? Are they honest, open and realistic with the capacity to work at your pace?

Are they positioned to offer you close support and how is this delivered? Do they have a good reputation? Is there access to current carers who can share their experiences of the agency? Do they share and ignite your passion for fostering? Are they working closely with a range of local authorities through regular arrangements? Remember that it’s the local authorities that commission the services of the agency you are considering. Be wise – get a feel for a couple of agencies, as it helps to make some informed comparisons.