Neurodiversity and foster children – what you need to know
Children who enter foster care come from diverse backgrounds, some of which involve the way they see, interact with and interpret the world. They are often described as neurodivergent, as …
Children who enter foster care come from diverse backgrounds, some of which involve the way they see, interact with and interpret the world. They are often described as neurodivergent, as …
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that affects the way a person behaves, feels and thinks. Around 2-5% of children in the UK have ADHD, and it …
Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects somebody’s reading, writing and spelling, as well as memory and organisation. It is fairly common, affecting about 1 in 10 people in the …
For various reasons, you might be faced with educating your foster child outside of school. This could be either through homeschooling or attending an alternative provisions school. If choosing the …
Under the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal to unlawfully discriminate against those based on a ‘protected’ characteristic. These are: race/ethnicity/nationality; religion; biological sex; gender reassignment; age; marital status; sexual …
Children of colour often wait the longest to be matched with a foster family compared to their counterparts. Agencies and local authorities will typically strive to ensure they are matched …
Fostering children can be a life-changing experience - not just for the foster parents, but also for the children concerned. It can be difficult to say goodbye to them when …
For many years, TV series and films have featured themes related to fostering and foster care. These TV shows and films have often shed light on foster care while touching …
Diversity refers to variety within a group of something. For people, it can refer to the different races, cultures, genders, social classes, nations, ethnicities, sexualities and family backgrounds we belong …
Are you interested in fostering? Do you want to apply to foster with Beacon Fostering but you are unsure how to? During this blog I will inform you of all …
There are many misconceptions when it comes to fostering. During this blog, we are going to debunk some common fostering myths! Myth 1 - I have pets, so I can't …
If you are considering fostering as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you might be wondering if you will have to overcome any systemic and societal barriers. Despite being a …
In 2023, there were over 100,000 children and young people in foster care. There are many success stories in fostering. Many of your heroes, celebrities and sports stars have grown …
Respite fostering gives other foster parents or birth families a temporary, much-needed break. By becoming a respite foster carer, you enable a family to take advantage of a well-earned break, …
Next month (October), is Black History Month (BHM) in the UK. This is a time where we celebrate and raise awareness of the achievements and contributions that those of African …
Across the country we have experienced a loss of over 1,000 fostering households in the last 18 months. It is commonly known that there is currently a massive shortage of …
Who can foster? Fostering should be inclusive and diverse and anyone can have the potential to be a foster carer. When it comes to becoming a foster carer, it's truly …
If you are thinking of fostering, you might be wondering if you can take your foster children on holidays - especially if it’s outside of the country. At Beacon Fostering, …
It can be difficult for a young person to navigate the ever-developing job market - especially for one who has grown up in the care system. Often, they can be …
Specialist fostering requires understanding, patience and the ability to allow young children to express their emotions, but what is specialist fostering? What is specialist fostering? Specialist fostering involves caring for …
At the age of 18, most young people anticipate doing their exams and getting into university. For those living in foster care, however, this is the age where they leave …
For foster children, school can be a challenging time. Whether they have had to move schools as well as home, or have additional requirements, there are also stereotypes and stigmas …
When a child enters care, they often have to deal with major changes - not just in their living situations, but also their education as well. Some may have to …
As a foster carer, you will likely look after children of a variety of ages and backgrounds. In some instances, you may even be looking after a child under two. …
A common misconception when it comes to fostering is individuals who believe they cannot foster as they have no qualifications. You DO NOT need any specific qualifications to foster a …
For decades, foster care has been a resource for children who cannot live with their biological families for various reasons. Ensuring that children in need are placed with families and …
The majority of children who cannot live with their families of origin usually enter the foster care system. They then live with other families until they can go back home, …
After the summer holidays, it can be a challenge for children and their parents and carers to get back into a school routine. Here at Beacon Fostering, we understand the …
If we want to ensure that children grow up in a cohesive society that is accepting of different races and cultures, we must first ensure that they are taught about …
If you are fostering, or thinking of fostering children and young people, you might find yourself looking after an individual with a different racial or cultural background to you. In …
Whether you are looking after teenagers in foster care or otherwise, you might be looking for engaging reads that will help them in their journey. Stories are powerful ways to …
If you are based in the North West of England and are interested in fostering, you might be wondering about what life is like for children living in this area …
There is an increase in the number of children in care across Britain, which has led to an increased need for foster care services and a strain on council budgets. …
When imagining a traditional foster carer, these figures are sometimes stereotyped as a middle-aged couple or single mother whose children have flown the nest. However, in recent years, there has …
If you are fostering a disabled child, there will be a lot to learn for how to accommodate their needs, depending on the nature of their disability (or disabilities) and …
There are numerous factors contributing to a foster carer (or carers) choosing to switch between fostering agencies, or from a local authority council to an agency. Whether that be due …
Only 18% of care-experienced young people go to university, compared to 45% of the general, no-care experience population. If you are considering fostering, or are already a foster carer, you …
If you are a foster carer or thinking about fostering, you might be wondering about where you can go to for advice. Websites like Beacon Fostering are usually the first …
You are probably familiar with council and agency fostering, but do you know about private fostering? With various terms for different methods and types of fostering, distinguishing between them can …
Whether you’re already caring for foster children, or just want to learn more about what it’s like, you might be wondering how you can educate yourself or your child (biological …
Taking care of one’s mental wellbeing is important, and this is especially important to teach foster children as they learn to navigate the world. Beacon Fostering understands that children in …
If you are looking for media about life for children in foster care, serialised dramas and films are likely to come to mind. However, you may be seeking something more …
August marks Child Support Awareness Month (CSAM) each year, which seeks to raise awareness of parents financially providing for their child until they come of age. It started in 1995, …
Some who are considering becoming foster carers may have children of their own who are still living with them, and might be wondering how to approach this compared to empty …
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 …
Beacon Fostering doesn't just accept new foster carers, we also accept current foster carers who are interested in joining the 'Beacon Fostering Family.' During this blog, we will be discussing …
Foster carers and their families may face challenges in their journey. While foster care agencies like Beacon Fostering provide support through professional staff, support groups and activity/event days, one may …
Children enter foster care for a variety of reasons, and they deserve to know why they can no longer live with their biological families. Talking to them about their background …
If you’re reading this article and considering fostering in Liverpool, Manchester and other areas of the North West, you are probably wondering what fostering is really like. Beacon Fostering promises …
Between 2020 and 2021, 80% of newly approved foster carers were white, with 15% from non-white backgrounds and the remaining 5% being marked as unknown. Similarly, 70% of foster children …