Can you work full time and be a foster parent?

If you’re interested in fostering, you might be surprised to learn that you can work full time while acting as a foster parent.

There are many benefits to working while fostering, and many foster parents opt to foster a child or young person alongside full-time employment.

It’s possible to foster while you’re employed in a full-time or part-time role, whether you are fostering as a single parent or jointly with your partner. With a support network, the right employer on your side and a position with a degree of flexibility, you’ll find fostering while working can be advantageous for you and the foster child you care for.

Providing you can still meet a foster child’s needs while supplying them with a safe environment where they can grow, being employed can’t stop you from opening your heart and home to a foster child.

Is your home suitable for fostering?

Employed foster parents must still pass eligibility checks, which include home suitability.

Having bedroom space available, even if it is shared with another child, is a common requirement, and you will be expected to provide a foster child with a bed of their own.

For health and safety reasons, you home must have fundamental utilities like a working kitchen and bathroom, and smoke alarms that provide early warning of emergencies.

Is fostering while working a fit for you?

A level of flexibility is often an essential requirement to working while fostering a child. However, being flexible and understanding applies to every individual and entity involved in the decision you make to work and foster simultaneously.

Being employed while fostering can present many challenges, but is financially beneficial and often extremely rewarding. As a result, you’ll need to remain adaptable and always prepared to embrace change. You’ll also need plenty of energy.

Your network will also need to play a part, as foster parents need dependable support. This might be the partner you foster with or a reliable ‘back-up carer’ you can count on to make sure your foster child gets the care and attention and care they need, even when you can’t be there in person due to your work role.

The company you work for must understand your situation and be willing to support your decision, giving you flexibility in return when you require it. A flexible employer is a powerful asset when you wish to foster while you work.

The agency you foster through can also help, working to supply creative solutions that promote flexibility in your caring role. This will allow you to continue employment while the needs of the foster child in your care are managed properly.

Points to consider when working and fostering

With extensive experience working with foster families as an independent fostering agency in the northwest, we understand that everyone’s personal situation is unique. When considering working while you foster, there are many points to account for before you decide.

The hours you work have an impact. To foster a child takes commitment, time and energy. If you are set on working while fostering, our agency team will help you ensure that you can balance the needs of a foster child with your work duties.

While your own network of friends and family members can help you care for a foster child when you work, our agency also provides a supportive network and community. Ideal for single and partnered foster parents alike, our network includes local meetings and support groups that help you connect with other foster parents in your area, while building lasting relationships. We also provide support via phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, when you need advice tailored to your situation.

Always consider your personal health and wellbeing. To thrive in your role as a foster parent, you must attend to your own needs. Our attentive team can help you to make sure that you are totally prepared for the extra responsibility of caring for a foster child while working and support your efforts.

Do you need advice on working full time while fostering in Cheshire?

At Beacon Fostering, we work with people who are new to fostering and experienced carers alike. We understand that adding a foster child to your current situation takes careful consideration to ensure you can provide the support and care they need – especially when you are employed.

Reach out to our dedicated team today for the answers to all your questions, and access high-quality support for foster carers who work full time.