Hannah's experience continuing to work while being a foster carer

We often get people interested in foster, but not wanting to leave their current careers behind them... We always love to show off Hannah's example - she has a part time nursing role which she completes while her children are in school, and her partner is in full-time self employment. Here's an article she posted for The Village Directory recently!

If you are looking at fostering, but want to look at how you can fit this around your current lifestyle, why nto get in touch. Foster carers, like Hannah, are more than happy to have a chat!

Foster carers provide nurturing and loving family homes for children who are unable to live with their birth families. Whether it’s just for one night, for a number or months, years, or even for the young person’s entire childhood, fostering provides children in care with a safe, stable, and loving family home.

Hannah’s background is in nursing, a role she continues part-time whilst also being a foster carer for a nine-year-old girl with complex additional needs. Hannah says that fostering a child with disabilities is the best job in the world…

“Foster carers come from a myriad of backgrounds and have different life experiences and qualities that help to meet the needs of children who are unable to live with their birth families. As a foster carer I have a unique chance to make a lasting positive difference to a child’s life.

Children come into foster care for a variety of reasons. Circumstances like family illness, breakdown or problems at home, or a situation where they are neglected or at risk can lead to social services intervening to safeguard and promote a child's welfare. Additionally, a parent may struggle alone or have an unsuitable home environment to meet the needs of a child with complex needs.

To become a foster carer for children with disabilities you will need to have some relevant experience, but that experience can come in many forms. Many carers in our community have backgrounds in childcare, SEND teaching, and in healthcare like me. Others have experience of raising their own children with additional needs. Together this offers an invaluable resource of support and advice to complement what our agency provides.

The supportive community at my fostering agency helps to ensure that children with disabilities don’t miss out on living in a family environment rather than in residential homes or hospice settings. I use my skills and experiences as a children’s nurse to support a young girl who has physical and learning disabilities. For me it really is the best job in the world!

Your journey into fostering begins with a home visit from someone at the agency. They will answer any questions you may have and will make sure that your home environment is suitable. Then, if everyone decides that the time is right, you will be guided and supported through your application.

Preparation training helps to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for your fostering role. A thorough matching process will ensure that the needs of any children referred to you are compatible with your skills and experiences. Your allocated social worker will liaise closely with you to ensure the best possible match and will arrange any necessary additional training.

Our fostering agency knows the children inside out, advocates for them, listens to the carers and supports them to be the best they can be. If you are thinking about fostering, please do give Fostering Together a call on 01233 515031 to find out more. Ask to have a chat with me about my experience; I’d be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have.”