Providing a nurturing environment to a child in need of a temporary home is an incredibly rewarding endeavor. But before they begin their fostering journey, many ‘would-be’ foster parents have concerns and fears about what’s expected of them and how best to prepare. Many begin to wonder about setting up their foster child’s bedroom, or how to make their foster child feel at home.
At Orchard Fostering, we understand that the road to fostering is different for everyone. But there are a few key considerations to be aware of beforehand.
If you’re interested in foster care, please reach out to Orchard Fostering today. We are available on the phone or via email – you can also fill out a form directly on the ‘contact page’ on our website
Your Home and Fostering
Having a good environment to bring a foster child into is a vital aspect of the fostering process. An initial assessment will be carried out to make sure that there is ample room and facilities but preparing your home for foster care isn’t as daunting as it sounds.
Here are some common concerns and answers about the logistics of foster care:
I don’t have a spare room – can I foster?
A spare bedroom is essential for fostering, as a child or young person coming into your home needs to have space to call their own and having their own separate bedroom can be somewhere for them to take time, just for themselves.
While you must have a spare room to foster, same sex siblings can share where there is space. A foster child and your own children cannot share.
As a foster carer your responsibility is to provide a safe and welcoming space, with enough room for them to grow and feel secure. This gives a foster child their own sense of space and safety. How you set up your foster child’s room will depend on their age and individual requirements.
I didn’t tell my partner and family I applied to be a foster carer
This is a common concern among first-time applicants. Regardless of the relationship status, be it cohabiting or married, it’s important that everyone in that household is committed to fostering, before we can proceed with the application. This includes any children that may still live at home as any children over 16 they will also need to be vetted. Discussing fostering with young children is also a vital part of the process as fostering can impact them too. The application process can be intense, and all parties must be on board before we can begin our assessments.
Speaking to your partner candidly about fostering, and providing them with enough information to relieve any anxieties, can be a great first step to easing them into the idea of fostering. There are also a number of ways to prepare your children for the changes that come with fostering. This way everyone is on the same page before welcoming a child or young person into your home.
Orchard Fostering are also available to answer any questions or ease concerns and we also host regular information sessions, in which people can join and talk to other foster families and our team.
Can I foster as a single parent?
Yes! So long as you can provide a safe and loving environment, and have the time and availability to care for a child, a single parent can absolutely foster. If you are currently working, we will discuss the best types of fostering for you. You may be more suited to Supported Lodgings.
Do you need to be in a certain demographic to be a foster carer?
No not at all! At the end of the day, it is important that all foster parents are mentally and physically healthy, to assist the foster child’s needs. At Orchard Fostering we receive enquiries from a wide range of people of various demographics, such as the LGBT community and foster parents of different ages. There are no age limits to be a foster parent.
I don’t have biological children; can I still foster?
Yes! We strongly encourage loving and caring people to apply to become a foster carer. It doesn’t matter if you have grown up children, children still living at home or if you don’t have biological children; providing a safe and loving home for a child or young person, is the main priority.
You do not need to have biological children to foster, however some experience with children or young people would be helpful. This could be through volunteer work, professionally or even caring for family, or friends’ children. It is also important to have a good understanding of child development and meeting the needs of children and young people.
We offer training and support throughout your fostering journey to ensure that our foster carers are equipped with all the necessary skills to be the best support for the children and young people in care. Orchard Fostering also offers 24/7 support service to all foster carers to be the listening ear at the end of the phone, for all types of queries, or even just a chat at the end of the day.
We have a variety of different families within Orchard Fostering and each is unique, from different backgrounds, races, orientations, and gender and religion, we welcome everyone to contact us. Our team will discuss if it is the right time for you and your family to foster.
My children have left home, am I too old to be a foster parent?
Certainly not! As mentioned above we encourage many different demographics to foster children and young people. We have carers as young as 25 to over 70. As long as you are fit and healthy and have the ability to open your heart and home to a child and young person, that is what really matters.
If your biological children have left home, you may have more space in your home and having a spare room for a child or young person, is one of the main requirements to foster.
If you are retired, you might find you have more time and availability to foster. You can read more about retirement and fostering on our blog.
Can I foster with pets?
Fostering with pets can be a great idea. Pets are a valuable addition to any home and provide a great sense of stability and warmth. Additionally, pets are proven to be therapeutic, and help in forming strong connections. They can also provide a sense of routine within a household that can be reassuring for foster children.
I’m concerned about having little or no financial support
We know that foster care is a full-time commitment, that’s why we offer round the clock support 24/7, access to a designated social worker, training, and additional supports to make sure your foster care journey goes as smoothly as possible. We also organize get-togethers such as our Foster Family Day Out when you can connect with other foster parents and children in a relaxed environment.
Financial support is available to assist with the needs of the foster child. The fostering allowance covers clothes, food and other needs for the foster child. You can learn more on our financial support page which answers further concerns you may have about financial aid.
The standard fostering allowance in Ireland is set by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs for children and young people aged 0 to 18 years of age.
What to expect on the initial visit?
The fostering process is straightforward and timely. You can learn all about the fostering process and what to expect on our website. Once the enquiry process has been completed, a social carer will call you, and arrange to meet you in your home at a time that suits you. If you are in a relationship and applying to become foster carers, it is important that both parties are available for this. This is a way for us to meet you in person, to see your house and to have a further discussion about fostering. It is an opportunity for us to get to know you better and to answer any questions you have.
We hope you found this information helpful. We advise you to look at the advice section on our website to learn more about becoming a foster parent and what to expect. If you have any concerns or would like to book a consultation, we would be very happy to talk with you. We provide fantastic support to enable you to become the best foster parent you can be. We listen and respond to your needs.
If you’re interested in foster care, please reach out to Orchard Fostering today. We are available on the phone or via email – you can also fill out a form directly on our contact page.