Why We have Foster Carers and Foster Care Allowance
Date published
12 February 2025
Why We have Foster Carers and Foster Care Allowance
We were asked on social media why we have foster carers and why they are paid an allowance. The query was answered by one of our foster carers, Charleine, as well as by Blue Sky Fostering.
Charleine’s response [and ours] serve as a useful reminder of the essential nature of foster care and why it is a dedicated skilled profession deserving of a fair foster care allowance. Thank you to Charleine for letting us publish her words.
Category
Fostering insights
Topics
- Foster Carer
- Therapeutic
- Young person
- Advice
- Adoption
- Support
- Long-term fostering
Date published
12 February 2025
Deciding to Become a Foster Carer: Charleine
For my husband and I, our genuine goal has always been to support children. Meeting two severely neglected children 17 years ago left a profound impact on our hearts.
We knew that we could have gone down the adoption pathway, and researched into adoption agencies, but we already have our own children, which is why we don't adopt more.
Additionally, not every child desires adoption; so many children need a safe environment that allows them to maintain or rebuild healthy relationships with their families. This provides their parents with the opportunity to make necessary changes and become the parents their children require.
Therefore, we focus on supporting these families and creating a secure space for children in need whenever possible. This involves assisting them in nurturing better relationships with their families while they receive vital support in a safe environment.
Some children may never return home if their parents are unable to make the required changes. Our child in care has expressed two powerful thoughts: "Care is for a reason" and "A fresh start is a good start."
I am pleased to share that our child is thriving, currently attending school, and aiming to pass all her GCSEs! Transforming a young person's life brings an immense sense of purpose!
Many foster carers are driven by the belief that life is about seizing opportunities and living it to the fullest. They want to help children experience those chances. Every foster carer I’ve met genuinely prioritises the child's best interests and strives to provide a better life for those they care for.
For me, fostering isn't just a job since I run my own business; however, I have great respect for those who dedicate themselves to it full-time. Many individuals embrace this crucial role because these children need support, and fostering is one of the most fulfilling jobs one can pursue.
I find it sad that fostering is often viewed negatively as a profession. People choose teaching or caring as a career, yet fostering demands that you be both a teacher and a caregiver around the clock. We need more compassionate, kind-hearted individuals who are willing to embrace fostering as a job and truly love what they do!
From Blue Sky Fostering – The Importance of the Role of Foster Carer
As a fostering organisation, our role is to help support children and young people who can no longer remain with their families by finding them a foster family who has the right skills to help the young person in their care go on to a stable and happy future.
A child or young person usually comes into care because their home environment is unsafe or the adults who care for them can no longer meet their needs. They may have experienced abuse or neglect before being fostered. Sadly, there are simply not enough foster carers to provide well-matched homes for the vulnerable young people who need them. The system is overburdened.
Blue Sky Fostering trains foster carers to equip them with the skills to offer a level of therapeutic care that differs from standard parenting. Yes, there is respite; yes, we are always by their side 24/7 with support, yes, we have lots of different support avenues for them to access. That's because it's a challenging role, and it requires full support.
There is a foster care allowance for good reason. You usually can't work in a secondary full-time role as a foster carer. It’s a fully committed job. Blue Sky Fostering understands that foster care is a professional role - because it is, as much as it's also about love and nurture. It takes both ordinary and exceptional people to do it. The process of becoming a foster carer is detailed, and if people are joining simply for the foster care allowance, it quickly becomes clear.
Whilst Blue Sky Fostering support organisations such as Kids Matter, who help support families to overcome obstacles and become stronger, it is also essential that there are organisations sourcing and training high-quality foster carers to help support vulnerable children and young people go on to a brighter future.
If you feel you have the skills to be a foster carer, please contact us to speak with one of our team.
Read More From Blue Sky Fostering
Reflecting on 20 Years of Fostering: A Film Interview with Rupert Bolger
As Blue Sky Fostering marks its 20th anniversary this year, Rupert reflects on two decades of fostering. Recounting the agency’s humble beginnings, to the countless lives of young people that have been transformed.
Foster Carer Fi discusses fostering on Radio 5 Live, Voice of the UK Nicky Campbell.
Listen to Fi discussing her experience with Blue Sky Fostering on Radio Five Live.
Children of Foster Carers Month: Katie and Maddie, West Country
Maddie and Katie became part of a foster care family six years ago in 2018, aged 16 and 13 respectively. They both share written personal accounts about their experience.
Could you be a foster carer?
Speak with one of our team to find out more information about fostering with Blue Sky.
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