Every year thousands of new foster carers are needed to care for the increasing number of vulnerable children coming into care in the UK.
Children come into care for a variety of different reasons. This could be on a short-term arrangement due to a family problem or illness, or they may need more permanent care due to experience of physical or emotional abuse, neglect, and domestic violence. Whatever the reason, the child will need the care of a nurturing adult, a foster carer, and a safe place to call home.
Some children return to their family homes, some go on to become adopted and others stay with their foster carers until they are an adult.
As more vulnerable children come into care each year, foster carers from all walks of life are needed to make a lasting difference. As a result of being unable to live with their birth families, vulnerable children and young people need you to provide a safe and loving home environment.
Foster care is pivotal in helping children and young people look-after to ensure they develop into independent, well-rounded adults. With our help and support, you can give children and young people a safe, thriving environment to grow up in.
There are many reasons people decide to foster; this could be to offer a stable and supportive environment to the child, give back to their community, and learn a new skill. Whichever reason you decide, you will be making a positive impact on a child’s life.
Fostering a child can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for people with a passion for helping others and positively impacting a child's life. In addition, it is an excellent opportunity to learn and grow as an individual. With ongoing support and training, Nexus Fostering will be here for you every step of the way.
Fostering when you have your own family can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved. It can help your family develop compassion, empathy, and a sense of responsibility and allow your children to learn about different cultures and ways of life.
It is important to be open and honest with your children about the fostering process and give them the support and guidance they need to adjust to having a foster sibling in the household. Here at Nexus Fostering, we have a wealth of support for families and birth children, including regular events for all families to attend and various support groups and forums run regularly.
All foster carers will receive regular foster care allowance payments to help with the cost of caring for a foster child. The type of fostering and the child’s age will determine the allowance. In addition, Nexus Fostering can support training, paid holidays, days out, and birthday and celebration allowance payments.
Since foster carers work from home, it is possible to balance fostering with other commitments, such as raising your own children and pursuing other interests.
Should you become a foster carer with us, you'll receive ongoing training and support to help you advance your abilities and understanding of fostering. There will also be opportunities to attend support groups and events and meet with other foster carers.
*Correct as of 31st March 2023
There is no upper age limit, age is just a number when it comes to fostering. We need people who have life experiences with the children in your care. You must be at least 21 years old to start fostering.
Yes. We have many single foster carers who have a solid support network of family and friends who offer practical and emotional support when needed. The Nexus Fostering team is also always available to support you, so you will never feel alone when you foster with us.
To foster, you need to have a spare room that will not require them to share with another member of your current household. Occasionally sibling placements can share a bedroom, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
You will have an initial phone call with one of our team for advice and information. If and when you are ready you will have a dedicated assessor who will visit and support you throughout the process. Various checks including the referee, medical and a DBS will be completed and you are required to attend a ‘Skills to Foster’ training course. The assessment process normally takes between 4-6 months.
Five years ago, Tina embarked on a life-changing journey that has transformed both her life and the lives of the young people she cares for. Tina shares, “Fostering has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The support from the team at Nexus has been invaluable, always offering new ideas and consistent care to ensure I have the tools I need."
" The past five years have been very rewarding and enriching to us as a family. Our fostering journey has been challenging at times, but with the support from Nexus Fostering we have enjoyed every step of the way."
After raising four of their own son's Sylvia and Denis decided six years ago to continue taking care of young people and currently foster a teenager who they say 'It is a joy to have him in our home'.
Children and young people come from different backgrounds, which is why we require foster carers who represent the diversity of today's society. Regardless of your sexuality, marital and relationship status, and whether you have children. You can foster.
Nexus Fostering is a fostering agency like no other. We believe all children and young people deserve a chance to live in a family setting, and we are proud that our foster carers and young people will always be our top priority.
A competitive allowance is rewarded to you as a foster carer for your valued work and for supporting the children in your care. We also offer payments for festivities, birthdays and holidays.
