What is blocked fostering, and what how to work through it

Blocked fostering refers to a carer becoming disengaged with looking after their children – due to stress or exhaustion, for example.

While fostering children and young people can be rewarding, it does come with challenges on both ends. The struggles that a foster child may have can be triggering and bring up negative memories for their foster carer, or there might be struggles with integrating the child into family life.

Regardless of the causes and issues, there are solutions available, both from Beacon Fostering and in everyday life. Read on to find out how to recognise and overcome blocked fostering.

Signs

Some signs that you might be experiencing blocked parenting include: isolating oneself from friends and relatives; difficulty feeling compassion and feeling regret over having these feelings; being reactive rather than proactive and being focused solely on the child’s behaviour rather than the underlying causes of said behaviour.

Support available

Fostering agencies such as Beacon Fostering offer round-the-clock support for foster parents and children in foster care. Through your social worker, the child’s social worker, support groups with other foster families and therapists/counsellors, you can work through underlying challenges and find solutions, as well as developing a positive mindset during the challenging times in your fostering journey.

Activities that can help

As well as turning to your wider support group, there are other things you can do to deal with feelings of disengagement and doubt during particularly difficult occasions. You can take up physical activities such as running, walking or cycling, or do an activity with your foster child(ren) such as baking, gardening or arts and crafts.

We at Beacon Fostering can offer guidance in challenging times. Get in touch to access our supportive network today.