New foster carer Maggie - How I found the fostering assessment process - Part 2

I remember Watching TV, I have seen a lot of stuff about children over the years, ranging from films, documentaries and soaps that focus on stories to do with children who have been through hardship.

It would leave me thinking about these children and the trauma they have been through. This does happen in real life, and you want to protect them. If you can make a difference and give a child a fresh start or home, then it's worth doing. I used to say if I ever win the lottery, I will open up a big house and have a children's home to help. Earlier in the year, I was with a good friend, and we were on holiday walking along the beach, and he asked me what's my ideal job? I said fostering that's what I want to do, but I thought it would never happen because of my age. That conversation sparked it back off again.

It was something I've always wanted to do growing up. I knew it would be a change, and I would need to be around a lot of time, which I want to do and be there for them.

I have the spare rooms sat there made up, so I may as well put them to use. I hadn't put myself forward before because I was single, but I shouldn't have let that put me off.

The first part of the assessment process was the skills to foster training in my local office in Cambridge. I remember I was sat there thinking, oh my god, I can't do this. However, I sat there, remembered why I was doing this, and reminded myself how much I wanted to foster. A few unknowns to me came up during this training, like why children can be in care as they go through all types of circumstances, and knowing what the children have been through and how we as foster carers help a child who has been through childhood trauma, such as supporting the child who might tell you a disclosure. I found it very eye-opening.

Now I am approved for fostering It feels like first-time nerves, "How do I bring them into my home? Will everything be ok?" Once my first foster child arrives, I will be more at ease as I will know how it went the first time.

I also have to remember the child might be nervous, too. I want to make sure we all are feeling comfortable.

I was also worried about ensuring I keep a note of everything and not forget any record keeping, as I know this is a part of the role. Still, my Supervising Social Worker has put my worries aside and will be there to help me with this anytime. I want to make sure I get it all right.

In regards to the assessment process, I wouldn't change anything about it. No, not for the assessment process. It is very intense for the first few months, and then you wait for the panel, so it feels like you have a waiting period before you are approved after the assessment ends. As the assessor is no longer coming over twice a week. I was used to meeting with Steph. She knew everything about fostering and was so helpful. She could answer my questions and put my mind at ease during my assessment process.

I look forward to having children in my home and beginning the next chapter of my fostering journey. 

Find out more about the training and support we offer our foster carers - Training & Support | Nexus Fostering