October is the month that we highlight and celebrate the children of foster carers.

Children are at the centre of all we do and Fostering families often have their own children. They are a huge part of the fostering journey and it is so important that they are part of your assessment and are supported throughout the process and for as long as you are a fostering family.

Fostering brings about huge changes for everyone and we are mindful that children in the family are not overlooked. They need to have a good understanding and time and space to share their thoughts and feelings.

How do we talk to birth children about being part of a fostering family?

We tailor our input to meet the needs of your child. You may have specific areas that you feel will need input and your assessing Social Worker will share these with the support officers.

We will then come out and do some getting to know you work and explore what Fostering means to your child.

Face to face visits are the best way to spend time and talk to children. We have visual resources and we can make these fun and informative.

Something as simple as a bottle of pepsi max can illustrate to a child the feeling of being “shook up” by life experiences and how these may manifest themselves in a child’s presentation.

We will explore hopes and worries, looking at things that they raise or things they may not have considered like “sharing my mum and dad”. “Who do I talk to if I have a worry?” “ Will the children like me?”

There is also the option of introducing a buddy for your child, another young person who is part of a fostering family and has experienced being part of a fostering family. It can be really helpful to talk to someone your own age who has direct experience and will tell it like it is

What happens once we are fostering ?

Support continues for your child. We will visit and offer direct work if needed.  It is only when you have children living with you that some of your support needs will become more apparent.

Your children will have ways in which they can contact the team if they want to talk.

They will be able to come along to our Children’s activities, which take place in the school holidays. This is a great way of meeting other children and lots of Fun!

Children of Foster Carers are appreciated, celebrated and supported with Caritas Care.

Get in touch by completing the contact form opposite or call us on 0800 652 6955.