Have you thought about becoming a Foster Carer?

Orkney Health and Care is seeking to recruit more foster carers.

The fostering team is inviting individuals and couples who may be interested in fostering children or young people to have a chat with them.

Jane Beckwith, Operational Manager in Children’s Service at Orkney Health and Care said: “We are looking for caring, compassionate people who genuinely enjoy being with children. You can be single, a couple with or without children. We have a fully inclusive and supportive recruitment process, aspiring to reflect the diversity of our community.”

If you are interested and want to know more about becoming a foster carer please contact the team.

Jane added: “The team here will offer a full training and support package to all new carers, as well as providing continued support from your allocated Supervising Social Worker to help with the children and young people in your care. The child’s Social Worker can provide support too regarding the needs of the child, and there will be opportunities to meet experienced Foster Carers”.

Foster carers look after someone else’s child when their birth family is unable to do so.

Some foster carers may look after a child for a short time – for just one night or a weekend. Others will look after the same children for years and may become their permanent family.

Having a sufficient number of local foster carers means that children who are living away from home can continue to attend their own school and take part in community activities.

We spoke to a couple who have been foster carers for many years and asked them a few questions about their experiences.

How long have you been foster carers for? How many children have you fostered?

We have been fostering for just over 12 years and we have fostered 10 children ranging in duration from 3 week to 2 years.

What made you become foster carers?

My sister and mum were foster carers and we saw the rewards of fostering through their experiences.

How was your experience in becoming foster carers, how did you find it, was it easy or difficult?

It was fine, we put our initial interest in October, our assessment started in January and we were approved in June 2002. In 2017 we were assessed and became intensive foster carers.

What’s the most rewarding part?

Definitely the children. We have kept in contact with most of our foster children and one was a bridesmaid at our wedding 2 years ago.

What do you find hard?

The legal side is extremely lengthy and it can become very frustrating when you can see this having a negative impact on the children.

What would your advice be to someone who is thinking of becoming a foster carer? What would you want to say to them?

Speak to children services as there are a number of different ways that you can foster. Speak to other foster carers, we have had immense help from other foster carers in Orkney.

Any tips for people who want to become a foster carer?

Get as much information as you can. Be honest if you are struggling, we are only human and use your support network.

Any final comments?

There are challenges in being foster carers but without a doubt the benefits and rewards totally outweigh them.

Being a foster carer offers its own unique challenges and rewards. However, above all, it offers the chance to make a real and lasting difference to a child’s life.

For anyone thinking about fostering or have any questions please get in contact with the fostering team by calling 01856 873535 or emailing fostering.adoption@orkney.gov.uk.

For more information please follow this link.