Can I Become a Foster Carer if I’m a Mum Already?
If you’re a full-time mum, you already know the hard work and pleasure that comes from caring for children. Perhaps you want to get back to work but would rather stay in the comfort of your home and do what you know best: childcare! Whatever your reason for getting into fostering, below we discuss becoming a foster carer as a mum.
Can You Become a Foster Carer as a Mum?
Yes, you can become a foster carer even if you have children at home already. Not only is this a beautiful bonding experience for the whole family, but being a full-time mum has already given you so much hands-on experience working with children.
Even if you don’t have experience working with children in a professional setting, raising children has given you the skills and knowledge to make you a great foster carer. Fostering agencies like thefca.co.uk are looking for foster carers in many locations across the UK, to assist in caring for looked after children who need a temporary, loving home.
The Benefits of Becoming a Foster Carer as a Mum
Becoming a foster carer as a mum has many benefits, including the fact that you get to stay in the role you enjoy the best: being a parent. Although foster children are only placed in your home temporarily, you can still treat them as you would your own children, providing them with unconditional love and support.
Your other children may relish having another child in the home to play with and talk to, especially if you have an only child. You have also gained invaluable skills as a parent that work with becoming a foster carer, such as patience, resilience, and compassion.
As a foster carer, you won’t lose out on child tax credits or any other benefits you receive from the government, as your fostering allowance doesn’t affect benefits. This means you can foster without worrying about the financial implications.
What Support Will I Receive?
As a foster carer, you will receive a fostering allowance, which covers the cost of anything a foster child may need. From clothes to food, you don’t need to worry about not having the budget to feed another child.
You will also receive amazing training and support sessions, where you can learn all about becoming a foster carer and how you can best support a child in need. This is great experience to add to your resume if you want to continue working with children in the future. Your agency may also offer additional support, such as bonuses and respite days.
Even if you already have your own children, you can still make room for foster children in your home. Just make sure this is a family-led decision (and that you have a spare bedroom). Using your skills as a mother to look after children in care is a brave and compassionate move, and one that can make a lasting impression on the children you foster.
