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Child Welfare Tips for Foster Carers

Challenging stigmas surrounding foster children

If you are fostering, or thinking of becoming a foster carer, you might be concerned about how the children you are looking after may be perceived by others regarding their family situation.

Children who enter foster care often face judgment and stereotyping from their non-care peers, which can lead to insecurities regarding their lives and their families. At Beacon Fostering, we seek to assure children that their lives and identities are not defined by foster care. Here are ways in which you can help your foster child(ren) to challenge stigmas regarding being in care.

Fighting the labels

Foster children are often labelled as ‘troubled’, when really, they are just individuals who have gone through difficult times.

What they are really in need of is someone who they can trust and rely on to give support. Ensure that your foster child(ren) know that they are not defined by their past, and that they deserve to succeed in life like any other young person.

Raising awareness

Educating others about the lives and experiences of foster carers and children is a great way to decrease stigmas of foster care, as it gives non-care experienced people the truth about what the system entails.

Support groups

If you or your foster child(ren) are in need of additional help and support, Beacon Fostering provides a support package that includes an allocated social worker, out of hours support, regular support groups and therapists. These help foster carers with any challenges they may face so that they receive support and understanding from other foster carers, as well as specialist staff in the agency. For more information, why not get in touch?