Hello and welcome to our latest newsletter
We are thrilled to have you join us as we explore the rewarding journey of fostering. In this edition, we have put together a variety of sections to help you get to know our wonderful foster carers, learn more about the different types of fostering available, and discover why fostering for your local council can be such a fulfilling experience.
So, no matter where you are on your fostering journey, we hope you’ll enjoy reading more below. Don’t forget, we’re here for you whenever you feel ready to take the next step, or if you just want some of your questions answered.
Get to know our local council foster carers – Bath and North East Somerset Council
Meet Dan, a foster carer for B&NES. In this video he shares his fostering experiences so far.
Watch to hear some of his memorable stories, his motivations for becoming a foster carer, his advice for those considering fostering, and much more!
Types of Fostering – Long term fostering (permanence)
Long term fostering, sometimes called permanence, is when a foster carer agrees to look after a child for a long time, often until they become adults and feel ready to live independently. This arrangement usually happens when it’s clear the child can’t return to live with their birth family, and adoption isn’t the right choice. Long term fostering gives children stability and a sense of belonging, helping them build strong relationships with their foster family.
In long term fostering, the foster carer takes on a significant role in the child’s life, providing not just day-to-day care but also emotional support and guidance. The child becomes a permanent member of the foster family, joining in with family activities and celebrations, and building a future together. This type of fostering is crucial for children who need a stable and loving home to thrive and grow into confident adults.
Long term fostering is different from other types of fostering, like short term or emergency fostering, which are more temporary. It takes a strong commitment from the foster carer, because they’ll be involved in the child’s life for many years. The rewards are huge, as foster carers not only get the chance to make a difference, they get to see the impact of their dedication, love and care on a child’s life. Many foster carers continue to be that young person’s “go-to” person for advice or to meet up and celebrate occasions and achievements after they’ve moved out.
Why foster for your local council – Foster for the children
Local council fostering operates on a not-for-profit basis, meaning that all resources are dedicated to supporting children and foster carers.
This approach ensures that funds are used to provide high-quality training, support services, and essential resources that foster families need to thrive. By fostering with your local council, you can be confident that your efforts are directly contributing to the well-being and development of children in your community.
The not-for-profit model prioritises the needs of children and foster carers above all else. This means that the primary focus is on providing the best possible care and support, rather than generating profit. Every decision made by the local council is driven by the goal of improving the lives of children and ensuring that foster carers have the resources they need to succeed.
Our recommended resources
A different medium of recommendation this edition. Today, we’d like to highlight a series of podcasts delivered by the Fostering Network.
These podcasts cover a wide range of topics, from the experiences of current foster carers to expert advice on the application process. You’ll hear first-hand stories that provide a realistic view of what fostering entails, as well as tips and guidance from professionals in the field.
Listening to these podcasts can help you gain a deeper understanding of the fostering community, the support available, and the positive impact you can make in a child’s life. Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of fostering or are ready to take the next step, these podcasts are an invaluable resource.
Where’s Ray?
Follow Ray’s journey visiting our local council partners in our newsletter.
Well done to everyone who correctly guessed that Ray was at the Eden Project in Bodelva, Cornwall in January’s edition.
Each month Ray will be in a new location, spreading the word about the importance of fostering with your local council.
Where do you think Ray is this month? Let us know via our social media, or email in and get the chance to win a large Mood Bear.
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