What do foster carers do?
Foster carers provide essential support and a sense of belonging for children and young people who can no longer be cared for by their birth parents.
As a foster carer you will provide a safe, healthy and nurturing home for a child or young person, on a temporary or longer term basis. You will be required to work alongside social workers, birth families and care professionals to care for children across the local area. You will also support them with their educational needs and maintain a close connection with the child’s school.
Just like our foster carers, all young people are unique and may need specific support to help them thrive.
It’s all about knowing that you’re making a difference to a child’s life. Sometimes you’re lucky enough to see the young people after they leave: happy, settled and enjoying their lives
Can I foster?
Fostering is often described as the most rewarding and challenging thing anyone can do.
Therefore, Foster for Solihull needs foster carers who are resilient and positive in their outlook, and are able to do the very best for the children they are looking after.
Here are the key values and responsibilities for foster carers - is this you?
You can provide a safe, healthy, welcoming and nurturing home for a child or young person.
You enjoy working with children and young people and supporting them with their emotional needs.
You value diversity and ensure children have a positive understanding of their background, religions and culture.
You understand other people’s points of view and feelings, and are sensitive and respectful to others
You have the ability to stand back from situations, and be flexible in resolving them.
Willing to attend regular training sessions and professional development plans.
Excellent communication skills.
Time to commit to looking after a vulnerable child or young person. If already working, you must be able to work flexibly around the child’s needs.
If you would like to learn more:
Eligibility to foster
Alongside the key values all our foster carers have, there are key minimum requirements to ensure you can progress as a Solihull foster carer:
You must have a spare bedroom in your home.
Be aged 21 or over.
Live within 20 miles of Solihull Council boundary or be able to support the transport requirements for a child in your care.
Have a basic level of English in order to communicate successfully with our teams and the professionals you will be working with.