At Orchard Fostering, we often receive queries from single people, wondering whether they are eligible to become a foster carer, or asking about the process of becoming a foster carer as a single person. We believe that the most important part of being a foster carer is your ability to care for and nurture a child. As such, we support all kinds of foster care – including single parent foster care.
To shed some further light on the life of a single parent foster carer, we reached out to one of our own single parent foster carers, who talked to us about what it is like to be a single foster carer, the challenges they face as a single foster parent, the rewards being a single foster parent entails, and some single foster parent advice. Read on to find out more about fostering as a single parent.
If you’re interested in foster care, please reach out to Orchard Fostering today. We’re available on the phone or via email – you can also fill out a form directly on our contact page. We recruit carers from all across Ireland. At the moment, we’re particularly focused on the west and south of the country – if you are in those areas and interested in fostering, please reach out to us today.
What set you down the path of your fostering journey?
Coming from a large family – second oldest of eight children – I have always loved being around children. My nieces and nephews are a big part of my life. I remember visiting my married sister after she started fostering and seeing how well the children were doing and thinking “I would love to do this.”
I didn’t revisit the idea of fostering again for a number of years as I had a lot of reservations, was nervous about whether I could do it on my own and if I could be a good foster carer to a child or children as a single person. Eventually, with the support of my sister and my nieces I made the call to Orchard Fostering and have never looked back.
What was the application process like as a single parent foster carer?
The process was thorough and every aspect of my life was examined. It also involved a lot of training, an insight into real-life scenarios and a look at the reality of foster caring. At the end of the process my application was submitted to the Committee, which I attended with Orchard, and I received my approval.
What is the most difficult thing about being a single parent foster carer?
I am very fortunate to have a great network of support around me like my partner – who lives three kilometres away – my mother, sisters, nieces and nephews and close friends who are a very big part of our lives. There have been challenging times and I have learned to reach out to my supports during these times. Knowing I can contact Orchard 24/7 gives me great confidence.
What is the most rewarding thing about being a single parent foster carer?
Seeing the progress the children have made since coming into our home and knowing that I have contributed to this is hugely rewarding. We have had a lot of wonderful times, the children have become involved in sports and are great swimmers – which has given them confidence for our holidays abroad.
What has your foster care experience been like with Orchard Fostering?
Orchard has been great, they are with you from the start of the process. I know that when things get challenging there is someone on the other end of the phone – 24/7 and the training available to foster carers has been great.
What do you think makes a good foster parent?
I think being a caring person, having empathy and putting yourself in the child’s shoes is important. Patience and understanding are definitely needed along with flexibility around your own lifestyle and commitment to the children – and a sense of humour is a must.
Can you offer any advice to a single foster parent or to anyone thinking about foster care?
What I would say to any single person thinking of becoming a foster carer is that it is a huge commitment and an extremely rewarding one. It is an amazing journey and becoming a foster carer is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. At times it can be difficult and there are challenges along the way but with a good support network around you and the commitment to making a difference in a child’s life then these will fade into insignificance.
If you’re interested in foster care, please reach out to Orchard Fostering today. We’re available on the phone or via email – you can also fill out a form directly on our contact page.