There are many ways to support a child in need of a safe and loving home. From providing care on an occasional weekend, through to ongoing, long-term support, foster care opens so many opportunities.
At AnglicareSA, we understand that everyone has different ideas of what being a foster carer involves. Let us debunk some of the biggest myths about foster care for you.
Myth 1: You need to be married or in a relationship to be a foster carer
No. Foster families come from all kinds of backgrounds and family types – single people, families with and without children already, same-sex and straight couples, people who work part-time or full-time, those who study and retirees.
Myth 2: Foster care is a long-term commitment
No. There are a number of different types of foster care including Immediate care (care that is needed at short notice, may be for a night or longer), short-term care (two weeks to two years), long-term care, respite care (e.g. one weekend per month or an overnight stay) and specialist therapeutic care.
Myth 3: You need to be wealthy to be a foster carer
No. Your wealth does not limit your capacity to be a foster carer. Foster carers come from all walks of life. The most important attribute is being able to provide a safe and nurturing environment for a young person.
Myth 4: You need to own your own home to be a foster carer
No. You can become a foster carer if you are renting or own your own home. As a general rule, you will need a spare bedroom in your house to ensure your foster child has their own space, and when siblings are taken in to care they are generally fine to share a room together.
Myth 5: You need specialist skills to care for a child in care
There are many reasons why a child may need the care of a foster family. Some children will have experienced neglect and/or abuse. Some families experience adversity that impacts their ability to provide the needed care and support for a period of time. Because of this, many children in care will have unique, and at times, complex needs that are best met with a stable family environment.
We know that any child separated from their family will need extra support and care in their lives to help them grow and develop to the best of their potential. We will support you throughout your foster care journey to ensure you are equipped to meet the needs of the child in your care.
Ready to find out more?
Get in touch for information on how you can change the life of a child.
