SimplyFostering

Single Parents As Foster Carers

Single parents are some of the best foster carers around in our experience. Some single parents are in the position of not being able to go out to work full time because of their own child or children being at school, so they can commit themselves fully to the fostering role. Single parent families are a valued  resource for fostering agencies, as some children are only to be placed with only male or female foster carers.

Whilst almost anyone can apply to be a foster carer, people need to have or to be able to demonstrate potential parenting skills which are adaptable to the fostering role. Foster carers are optimistic, good listeners, flexible and with a good sense of humour, which also helps.

In our experience one of the most difficult issues for people has been discussing finance. Looking after children and receiving a fee is a difficult concept at first and many foster carers have told Simply Fostering that they found it embarrassing to talk about payments.

Times have changed and fostering is no longer seen as a voluntary service. In order to recruit and retain foster carers it is now accepted that foster carers need to be financially rewarded as are any other workers in social care. Local Authorities and Independent Fostering Agencies provide fees and allowances to enable foster carers to care for children and young people on a full-time basis. Fostering can work really well for single parents who have to stay at home to care for children, as they can earn up to £500 per week per child tax free, dependant on which private agency you work for.

Many people are choosing fostering as a career choice and committing to fostering on a full time basis. Generally, the more available you are the more placements you will be offered.

Anyone interested in fostering and becoming a foster carer should go to www.simplyfostering.co.uk where all information, practical support and choice is just a registration form away.

Adoption UK

Adoption UK is the only national charity run by and for adoptive parents, with a membership of over 4,500 families. The charity’s aim is to provide and support a self-help network for adoptive parents to explore the unique social, emotional and developmental needs of adopted children, particularly where they have been adopted from the care system following abuse or neglect in their early lives. Through this network, Adoption UK also promotes effective learning practice, based on nearly 40 years’ experience of adoptive parenting, which is integrated with current theories of trauma, attachment and development.

Adoption UK’s services include:

• National helpline (0844 848 7900)
• Local support groups
• Contact networks
• Adoption Today and Children Who Wait magazines
• Publications
• Online Community
• Training workshops and programmes.

National Fostering Agency

This is the website for the National Fostering Agency; it covers all the information relating to fostering including directing you to your local fostering contact.

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