What makes a good foster carer?
We have carers from a variety of backgrounds, family structures, ages, religions and skills. So in theory anyone can apply to become a foster carer, but it takes someone very special to become a great Foster Carer.So, what skills do you need to become a Foster Carer for Synergy Fostering?
- Genuinely enjoy the company of children and remain positive even when things are difficult.
- Able to be flexible and respectful towards children of all ages
- You can listen and communicate with children appropriate to their age and understanding.
- Able to negotiate and compromise
- Provide appropriate discipline and keep children safe, without use of physical or inappropriate punishment.
- Be sensitive, compassionate and nurturing
- Able to empathise and understand children suffering from abuse.
- Willing to be open and accept other people’s views
- You do not expect children to be grateful for the care you show and understand that they may take time to respond.
- Accept that children may have difficult behaviours and you will need to manage and help them change.
- You can understand that children may lie, steal or display sexualised behaviour
- You have a commitment to training and improving your skills in caring for children safely.
- Respect children’s rights
- You have an ability to meet the day to day care of the children being looked after, bearing in mind that particular children have experienced separation, loss and the trauma of abuse.
- Able to advocate on behalf of the child as you would your own.
- Able to be professional when communicating with families and other professionals
- And finally, that you have a good sense of humour and can SMILE when the going gets tough!
As a foster carer, you need to respect the rights of the children you are fostering and their family. Remember you are in a position of authority as a foster carer, so you must be careful that you do not abuse it!