Consider a career in fostering

According to a newly released survey by Indeed Flex, one third of UK workers plan to find a new job or make a career change in the next 12 months. For those who are looking for self-employed opportunities, a career as a foster carer has many benefits – most importantly, the opportunity to transform a young person’s life.

Becoming a foster carer is one of the most rewarding careers you can pursue. With the number of children needing foster carers at an all-time high, the need for compassionate individuals to step into this role has never been greater.

A career as a foster carer – open to anyone over the age of 21 who has a spare room and can provide a safe and nurturing environment – provides flexibility and the freedom of being self-employed. It also comes with a number of benefits including financial support and tax breaks, training, and the opportunity to be part of a local, supportive foster carer community.

While fostering requires a substantial commitment in terms of both time and emotional resources, it can also be balanced with other commitments. Depending on the age of the child/children in foster care and their needs, many foster carers are able to combine fostering with part-time work, further studies or other personal responsibilities.

James Townend, Managing Director, Fitzgerald Fostering explains, “Becoming  a foster carer is a huge decision. It is an incredibly important role and we welcome the opportunity to talk to anyone who is thinking about a career change and wants to find out more about fostering.

“Whilst money is not the primary motivator for someone deciding to become a foster carer, it is an important factor for people who are choosing to change careers. Foster carers are paid an allowance per child to cover their food, bills and clothes as well as a fee for the foster carer to recognise their time and skills. At Fitzgerald Fostering, we pay amongst the highest rates in the area and we also offer exceptional training, above and beyond statutory training, to ensure that all of our foster carers are equipped with the skills required to achieve the best possible outcomes for the foster child or foster children in their care.”

James’ top 3 tips for anyone considering becoming a foster carer, are to select a foster care provider that has:

• 24/7 support for foster carers, whose team will know you and the children in your care whenever you call them.
• An in-house therapist so that you and your family can access tailored, therapeutic support when needed, avoiding lengthy referrals.

A local presence, with strong contacts with the local social services teams, schools and community groups.

If you are researching fostering agencies, choosing the right foster care agency so that you receive the right support makes all the difference.

If you live in Slough, Reading, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Wokingham or the surrounding area and are considering fostering, please contact us to find out more or call us on 01753 550031.  At Fitzgerald Fostering, we are with you all the way.