If you have been deterred from fostering because you were advised that you would need to give up your job, you will be pleased to learn that this is no longer the case. So long as you are available to meet the responsibilities of your foster child, you can stay in employment.
According to the Fostering Network, almost 40% of foster carers combine fostering with other work, which opens a career in fostering to so many new families and individuals.
Single person applicants would generally need to have part-time employment or a role which has flexible hours to fit caring for a child around work commitments.
Fostering is extremely rewarding and can make a significant difference in a young person’s life. It offers a unique opportunity to provide a stable, nurturing environment for children who need to change their living circumstances, for a variety of reasons. With flexible fostering arrangements and substantial allowances, it is entirely possible to maintain your career while making a meaningful impact as a foster carer.
Flexible Fostering Arrangements
At RSD Fostering, we recognise the need for flexibility and understand that potential foster carers often have professional commitments. There are a variety of different types of fostering arrangements, such as respite care, short-term fostering, and long-term fostering, which can be tailored to fit around your work schedule.
Respite care, for instance, involves looking after a child for short periods, allowing regular foster carers or birth parents a break. This could be during weekends or school holidays, making it an ideal option for those who work full-time during the week. Short-term fostering typically lasts from a few days to several months and can often be arranged around your work commitments. Long-term fostering, while more involved, can still be managed alongside a career, especially if your workplace offers flexible working hours or remote work options
Financial Support for Foster Carers
One of the significant concerns for prospective foster carers is financial stability. Providing for an additional member in the household can be daunting, but the fostering allowance helps alleviate these worries. In the UK, foster carers can receive up to £27,500 per annum for a single child. This allowance is intended to cover the cost of caring for the child, including food, clothing, transportation, and any other expenses that may arise.
The allowance varies depending on factors such as the age of the child and the level of care required. It ensures that foster carers are not financially burdened by their decision to open their homes and hearts to children in need. Additionally, there are tax benefits for foster carers, making it a financially viable option even if you are balancing it with a professional career.
The Benefits of Being a Foster Carer
The benefits of being a foster carer extend far beyond financial allowances. The emotional and personal rewards are immeasurable.
Here are some of the most significant advantages:
Making a Difference: Foster carers provide a safe, stable, and loving environment for children who have often experienced trauma and instability. The impact of this stability can be life-changing for the child, nurturing a sense of security and belonging.
Personal Growth: Fostering can be an incredibly enriching experience. It challenges you to develop patience, empathy, and resilience. The skills and experiences gained from fostering can also enhance your professional life, making you more adept at handling complex situations and building relationships.
Building a Family: Foster care can bring a unique sense of family to your household. Whether you have children of your own or not, fostering creates a diverse and inclusive family dynamic, teaching everyone involved the value of compassion and understanding.
Community Support: Foster carers often find a strong sense of community among other carers and support networks provided by fostering agencies. This community can offer advice, share experiences, and provide a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
Legacy of Love: The love and care you provide can leave a lasting legacy. Many children maintain a lifelong bond with their foster carers, considering them as family even after they have moved on. The positive impact you have on their lives can resonate for generations.
How to Get Started
If you’ve considered becoming a foster carer but are concerned about combining the care of a child with your career aspirations, why not have a confidential chat with our team.
Our Care and Fostering Specialists Paris and Courtney are available to speak with you at length about the process, requirements, and support available to you as a foster carer.
Telephone 01752 717666 or if you would prefer to send an email, please write to info@rsdfostering.co.uk.
Speak with your employer about flexible working arrangements, as many companies are supportive of employees who undertake such rewarding roles.The journey of fostering is filled with challenges, but the rewards—both emotional and personal—are beyond measure.
Embrace the opportunity to provide love, stability, and a brighter future for a child in need, all while continuing to thrive in your career.
RSD Fostering
01752 717666 info@rsdfostering.co.uk
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