Think You’ll Get It Wrong? How to Become a Foster Parent With Confidence
If you are wondering how to become a foster parent, but worried that you’ll ‘get it wrong’, this is the guide for you. At Family Fostering Partners, we understand the fears and doubts potential foster parents face, and we’re here to guide and reassure you. We chat with people interested in learning how to become a foster parent every day, and we’re not afraid to answer the ‘difficult’ questions. Here, we’ll explore how you can overcome these concerns and build the confidence to embark on this incredibly rewarding journey.
Common Fears and Doubts about Becoming a Foster Parent
Many people wondering how to become a foster parent may worry that they won’t measure up or fear they might fail a child in need. Here are some common concerns:
- “What if I’m not good enough?”
- “What if I can’t meet the child’s needs?”
- “What if I make mistakes?”
These fears are normal. After all, fostering is a big responsibility. However, it’s important to remember that no one is perfect, and fostering agencies like Family Fostering Partners exist to provide the training, resources, and support you need to thrive in this role. David, a foster parent with Family Fostering Partners, describes fostering with FFP as “Being wrapped in a warm duvet – I feel safe, supported, and I know they will always be there for me if I need them”.
How Foster Care Agencies in the UK Can Help Overcome Your Fears
At Family Fostering Partners, we specialise in helping people curious about how to become a foster parent, or those currently fostering, to feel confident and prepared. Here’s how we support you:
- Comprehensive Training: Before you begin fostering, you’ll complete a ‘Skills to Foster’ training course . This course is designed so that you understand the needs of children in care, about fostering in general, and who we are as an agency. You’ll also hear from people who currently foster with Family Fostering Partners, as well as care experienced individuals.
- 24/7 Support: Our team is always available, day or night, to provide advice, answer questions, or simply offer reassurance. Through the assessment process, you’ll have a dedicated assessing social worker who will guide you through the process of becoming a foster parent. Once approved, you’ll be assigned a dedicated Link Worker who will guide and support you. Learn more about how we can support you in making a difference.
- Peer Support Groups: You’ll have access to a community of experienced foster parents who can share their insights and offer encouragement. Those interested in how to become a foster parent are often curious about how we offer our peer support – it’s both online, and in person at ‘Peer Support Groups’.
- Specialised Resources: As well as the training, support and guidance we offer in house, we also offer access to Foster Talk to everyone who’s approved as foster parents with us. Foster Talk offers free training, webinars, free legal and medical advice, as well as a counselling service.
How to Build Confidence When Becoming a Foster Parent
Confidence doesn’t appear overnight, but there are steps you can take to feel more assured in the early stages of considering how to become a foster parent, as well as post approval:
- Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Take advantage of the training and resources we provide to deepen your understanding of fostering.
- Start Small: For many people considering how to become a foster parent, short-term or respite care is a fantastic option to ease into fostering and build your confidence gradually.
- Connect with Others: Reach out to other foster parents through our support groups or events. Hearing their experiences can reassure you that it’s okay to have ups and downs.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Recognise the positive impact you’re making, even in small ways. By even considering how to become a foster parent and reading this web page, you are on your way to making a positive long lasting impact.
- Lean on Your Agency: Don’t hesitate to reach out to us whenever you need guidance or support. We’re here to help you succeed! If you are currently fostering and are not receiving the support, you deserve from your agency or local authority – ask us using the ‘chat to us’ feature about how to become a foster parent with Family Fostering Partners. We can talk you through the steps of how to transfer to us.
Become a Foster Parent with Confidence
The responsibility of becoming a foster parent might seem daunting, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. At Family Fostering Partners, we’re committed to recruiting, training, and supporting foster parents to ensure they feel confident and capable. If you’re wondering how to become a foster parent, why not take the first step today? Contact Family Fostering Partners to learn more about our application process.
