Benefits Of Becoming A Foster Carer
This occupation is not for everyone. It is a challenging role to take on, with plenty of surprises along the way. With that said, there are many benefits to becoming a foster carer. Here are some of the main reasons why many people choose to become one, and what they can expect from the experience.
One of the main benefits of becoming a foster carer is the fact that it is a very rewarding role. It is one where carers will be constantly challenged and have to adapt to new situations, as they will have to deal with a number of different personalities of children. This can be very difficult at times, although fostering agencies will always offer full training and support.
Another main advantage of becoming a foster carer is that it gives people the opportunity to utilise their skills. There are many who are interested in a service role and are looking for a place where they can best use their communication and interactional abilities. Foster caring is certainly one of these positions Although many people speak out about their positive experiences as foster carers, there are still many untrue myths about the occupation. These range from false ideas of the work involved right through to who is eligible to become a foster carer. Here are some of the main myths and the truth behind them.
Firstly, many people believe that you have to be a certain age to be a foster carer. The reality is that there is no ideal age to fulfil such a role, and individuals of all ages are welcome to apply for such a position. There is often a lower age limit of around twenty-one years old, depending on where you are in the world. Many people who are retired can foster, despite their belief that they are too old. More important than age, is whether or not the individual has the skills and personality to be able to handle the task ahead of them. For those with the right motivation and skills, full foster carer training is given, allowing each individual to develop their skills in order to handle their occupation, regardless of whether they are young or old.
The second big myth is that all children who are in foster care are very difficult to parent, making the challenge of looking after them stressful and seemingly unsurmountable. This is a myth that has been perpetuated largely by the media. In reality, however, the behaviour of children varies a great deal. Many children have behavioural difficulties that are typical of their age, whether they are a toddler or a teenager. There are children with more severe behavioural difficulties, but only experienced and fully trained carers who are motivated to deal with these challenges are chosen to foster them. Otherwise, regular foster carers do not need to worry about especially difficult behaviour.
The third myth about foster caring is that potential carers are expected to be super skilled and know what they are doing at all times. This amounts to a lot of pressure on the potential foster carers. However, this is not necessarily true. Many people are keen to be foster carers, but their skills must be nurtured and improved first. For this reason, many foster care agencies offer foster care training on a regular basis. This is on top of the initial training period to become a foster carer. Ample support is usually provided in order to make sure that foster parents are able to always have someone to turn to in challenging times.
Fourthly, some people still believe that single people and same-sex couples cannot foster. In the vast majority of cases, depending on the country you live in, of course, this is certainly not true. An individual who is motivated and has a good skillset will be accepted, regardless of their marital status and their sexual orientation.
This allows foster carers to enjoy caring for a child even if they are unable to have one of their own or if they do not wish to have one of their own. This benefits both the child and the individual or couple who wishes to foster.
The last one that persists is that individuals must own their own homes to become foster carers. Those who rent, however, can still become foster parents as long as they can provide a stable home for a child.
