10th September, 2024
September is a time of change, and many of us will be seeing our children fly the nest for the first time either for university or just moving on to the next stage in their lives. We’ve done our best to teach, to guide, to set them on the right path for their life a head but that doesn’t mean that our homes don’t feel a little empty without them there, leaving us thinking, what next?
While your children are embracing the newest stage in their life, you too can embrace a new chapter while continuing to channel your nurturing instincts when you foster. There are so many children and young people who are in need of the same guidance and care you offer your own children.
Fostering not only brings back that sense of purpose but also makes a huge positive impact on young lives.
One of the most common things we hear as a fostering organisation is the belief that someone is too old to foster. However, there is no upper age limit to fostering and in fact most of our foster carers come to us when they’re in their fifties.
It is your life experiences which gives you all the makings of a great foster carer. You’ve raised your own children with success, have the stability to offer a vulnerable young person – which is vital for those who’ve experienced a rocky start in life, and you have the time and patience to reflect on things a little differently.
Our own foster carer, Lynne, said she wanted others to know the joy of fostering, and asks what else would you be doing?
The great thing about fostering versus parenting is that you’re never alone. You’ve embraced every moment of being a parent and have found your way through trial and error, through the good times and the bad. We’re not saying that when you foster there won’t be any tough times (there will) but we will be there every step of the way with you.
Our support includes…
- Training, both introductory and specialist bespoke to your family’s needs.
- A dedicated Supervising Social Worker with a small case load. (This means they’re more available and always just a phone call away whenever you need them.)
- Access to our one-of-a-kind MATTS provision, which offers therapeutic services to young people who have experienced trauma. This is all offered in-house, so no long CAMHS waiting lists.
- Peer support groups. We’re often told this is one of the most brilliant sources of support, many of our foster carers have been with us for over ten years and are happy to share their experiences and wisdom. Trust us, they’ve seen it all!
- Plus, so much more.
Like we said, it’s never too late to foster. You will never be told you’re too old. As long as you are in good health, have a spare room, and the time and means to look after a child then we will guide you along every next step.
The fostering process is long and thorough, but it’s to be thought of as a two-way street. From our point of view, we need to take every step possible to ensure the safety of the child and for you, it’s vital that you are fully informed at every stage. Fostering might just be the most rewarding thing you ever do, but it still has to be right for you.
If you’ve got any questions or would like to find out more about fostering with Capstone, fill out the form below.
An experienced fostering advisor from your local area will then be in touch.
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Start the conversation today. Our team of friendly advisors are on hand to answer any foster care questions you may have. We can offer you honest and practical advice that can help you decide if becoming a foster carer is the right path for you.
