When it comes to fostering there are a few misconceptions, especially the fostering and working life balance. Yes, fostering does take up a large amount of your time and it is a big commitment. Now you must be thinking, does this mean I can’t continue working full time?
Well, read on as we are going to answer this question in relation to the fostering/working balancing dynamic.
Can I work and become a foster carer?
In short, yes! In most cases, it is unrealistic for a foster carer to be expected to give up their steady income to become a stay-at-home parent as we all know that fostering is not a steady income, as you will only be paid when a child is placed in your care.
However, each foster case will be handled differently, which will be focusing on the needs and requirements of the individuals that’s being fostered. There are several factors that could come into discussion when talking about your working life whilst looking to foster a child, such as, will you be a single carer, is your employment full or part-time, what hours will you be working and so on.
How does full-time employment affect my fostering situation?
With Foster carers they are expected to look after their children and be able to provide the time to care for them whenever required to do so. Care could include things such as attending parent’s evenings or school meetings, looking after them after school hours and supporting them with homework where appropriate, as well as supporting them emotionally through their ups and downs, or even staying in contact with the child’s biological family.
If your thinking of becoming a foster carer as couple (both working full time) you would often have more flexibility than a single carer (simply due to having an extra set of hands available if one parent couldn’t make a specific calendar appointment). Having two people in the picture helps lighten the load- particularly if you’re looking to maintain a full-time job.
Can I make a career out of fostering?
Foster caring is a time-consuming role, not just in terms of raising a child, but also in terms of all the work that goes on behind the scenes (report writing, handling paperwork, contributing to fostering reviews, liaising with a few social, health and educational professionals).
Caring Hearts foster carers receive a weekly fostering allowance of up to £750 a week that is considered enough to cover the costs of looking after a child in foster care. This should include basic things such as clothing, food, and pocket money- however, there will be some flexibility around how this is spent when it comes to your family dynamic.
If you would like more information and would like to become a foster carer, get in touch today.