Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
Becoming a foster carer is a lifechanging decision for you and the children that come into your home and could be the best thing you ever do. Many foster parents speak of how rewarding the role is and of the bonds they build with the children they foster.
Birmingham is a wonderful city to be a foster carer – here’s why.
Plenty to Do
Birmingham is a vibrant city that is ideally placed in the centre of the country, giving easy access to so many attractions. However, the city itself offers a variety of ideal places to visit with children, making it a fantastic place to give new experiences to foster children. From the theatres which welcome plays and musicals directly from the West End to the educational science museum and even the magical chocolate factory of Cadbury World, Birmingham is a fabulous city for children to grow and learn. With parks and green spaces to explore, getting outdoors with children is easy and convenient.
Generous Allowances
As a foster carer you will be entitled to financial allowances to help you fulfil your role and responsibilities. Although money is secondary to providing a child with a secure environment in which they can thrive, everybody is aware of the financial predicament the country is in during the current cost of living crisis. As such, agencies like fosteringpeople.co.uk place importance on being open about the financial support available to foster carers as well as providing you with the information you need. There is a calculator on their website which may help you better understand the allowance system.
Excellent Support
Over 9,500 children in the West Midlands are in need of foster homes, meaning there is a wealth of knowledge and shared experience for you to draw on from longstanding foster carers. There are regular support groups for families to gather which enables connections to grow between those who are experiencing the fostering journey together. There is also the chance to offer feedback and make suggestions on future change via foster parent forums. This, along with the support of professionals such as social workers and specialists, which is also on hand, means you are never alone.
Opportunities for Training
As a new foster carer, you may feel there is a lot to learn. Even if you have raised your own biological children, having a foster child in your home is a new experience and there are mandatory courses covering safeguarding and legal issues which you will need to complete in order to be approved as a foster carer. Ongoing training throughout your journey as a foster carer gives you the skills needed to protect children in your care as well as helping build your confidence as you tackle new situations, as well as ensuring you are up to date with the latest legislation.
If you are considering opening your home to a foster child, congratulations – you are about to embark on the biggest adventure! Enjoy every wonderful moment!
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
