Are you contemplating a career that involves working with children? If so, you should look into becoming a foster carer. Being a foster carer is an amazing career choice, but what exactly does it entail?
Foster carers offer children and young people a loving, safe and nurturing home when they cannot live with their families. As well as providing day-to-day care for the children or young people in their care, they also advocate for the child and support their health, well-being and education.
Unfortunately, although fostering is one of the best child-centred careers around, there is a shortage of foster carers in the UK. This could be due to potential foster carers not realising the benefits of this type of career. If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer and want to know the benefits of this role, keep reading below:
1. It’s a Career That Makes a Difference
Perhaps the most powerful reason why you should consider a career as a foster carer is that it can make a difference. Foster carers have the opportunity to shape and influence young people’s lives. It can be little things like teaching a child how to tie their shoelaces or bigger things like ensuring a teenager takes the right path in life. Everything a foster carer does helps a child or young person become a better version of themselves.
2. It’s Rewarding
If you’re looking for a rewarding career, then fostering is it. Putting time and effort into developing a child or young person can make a massive difference in their life. Knowing that you’ve played a part in shaping someone’s future is as rewarding as it gets.
3. Children Deserve a Safe and Nurturing Home
All children deserve to live in a safe and nurturing home. However, not all families can offer their children this. This is where foster carers can help. They offer this safe space until the child can be returned to their family.
4. Financial and Educational Benefits
Fostering is a full-time job, and agencies like Orange Grove Foster Care make sure their foster carers are paid and educated accordingly. As well as getting a fostering allowance, foster carers also get offered ongoing training and 24/7 support. This helps them to build their skills as foster carers.
5. There’s a Shortage of Foster Carers
As mentioned above there is a shortage of foster carers in the UK. Children who cannot go into foster care end up being placed in a children’s home until they are returned to their families. This can have a significant impact on their health and well-being. By becoming a foster carer, you are reducing the number of children who have to be placed in a children’s home.
For many people, a career working with children can come with several benefits. While there are many child-oriented occupations to choose from, one of the best options is becoming a foster carer. Why not find out more about this career option?
