Do you have what it takes to transform a teenager’s life through fostering?

If you have never thought of fostering before, you might be surprised at how much you could bring to a young person’s life.

You may think it takes a certain type of person to foster, but in fact, almost any of us could foster a child or young person; what's crucial is not perfection but instead the skills to support, listen and to provide a nurturing, patient, and stable environment for a young person.

Children and young people come into care from all kinds of backgrounds and for varying reasons, many of which are completely out of their control.

The Fostering Network estimates that in the coming 12-months, 38,000 more children and young people will come into care, approximately one young person every 15-minutes who may need a foster family. Every year thousands of new foster families are needed, and sadly, teenagers are often the most overlooked.

At the time of publishing this article over 50% of children in care in Northamptonshire are aged between 12 and 18 years old.

As with any teen, they will be experiencing a lot of changes, both physical and emotional, but when that young person has also spent time in care, they will be carrying the trauma of their lived experience and that can make things harder for them.

It is important to remember that teenagers are still children and that they are equally in need of care and support; they crave stability, guidance and someone to show them they are loved.

Why foster teens?

As a foster carer who actively supports teenagers, you can be instrumental in providing them with the skills they need to develop into adulthood and to live independently.

This may involve teaching them important life skills such as how to prepare healthy meals, managing money, or to help them see the value of their own wellbeing and build healthy relationships; as well as supporting them with their education and/or securing a job..

“It is a real privilege being that final part of the jigsaw, before they move onto independence” – existing NCT foster carer.

It is important to give a young person space as it takes time to form new relationships and to gain trust, but the rewards when this is achieved are often what makes foster carers do what they do.

“I don’t think you can ever underestimate the positive impact the child is going to have on your life either – our relationship grows from strength to strength as we learn from each other” – existing NCT foster carer

Fostering and family life

Not everyone can commit to fostering full time, but maybe you could consider fostering part-time around your existing commitments.

There are many different types of fostering available and we will work with you to establish the best type of fostering for you.

Do you have the skills to foster a young person?

Fostering a young person can be a little different to fostering a younger child; whilst they need your guidance, love and support, they often need less hands-on care. Being there for them in a way that suits them and being able to discuss their challenges and feelings is what is really important. Many carers will tell you about the positive impact this can have.

“I’m that one person in his life that is a constant – and it’s that relationship that’s the key to him achieving” – existing NCT foster carer

If you are a good listener, you can provide the patience and reassurance needed to help a young person to navigate what they may be going through, then fostering could be for you.

"One of my teens joined me as an angry young boy who felt that no-one listened to him but with lots of time given and love shown, has turned into a thoughtful teen who can control his temper.  It isn't perfect of course (don’t look at his bedroom!), but he tells me he feels secure and happy now and he is an integral part of the family." – existing NCT foster carer

Can anyone foster?

If you are over 21, you have the right to work in the UK, and importantly you have a spare room in your home (either rented or owned, then fostering could be for you!

If you think you have what it takes, please get in touch for an initial conversation.

To find out more go to northamptonshirefostering.com