Member News: Team Fostering - Troubled teen Gameel saw his life transformed after reluctantly going into care – find out how the right family unit changed his future.

There are many reasons why children and young people might need a temporary home and someone to give them support, love, encouragement and warmth – and Team Fostering work throughout south Yorkshire with those youngsters, and prospective foster parents, to find a place that gives them that stability.

You might be feeling that ‘empty nest’ syndrome if your children have recently left home, or you may not have had children but feel you can offer stability and support.

Team Fostering is an independent not-for-profit agency which is keen to hear from people who are thinking about becoming foster parents.

My experience in foster care
Gameel Hilton, now a 19-year-old in full-time employment who lives independently, found himself in foster care as ‘a very angry 13-year-old’. His own family were struggling to cope with him as an angry child, and while he entered the care system reluctantly, he says the experience has been nothing but positive for him long term.

He stayed with that one foster family till the age of 18.

Gameel said: “I had one foster carer, luckily. It wasn’t expected to be long term but I grew to be part of the family. We just clicked, and it made life a lot easier all round. The family dynamic was much better, we were all getting along.”

He says fostering ultimately gave him more out of life and gave him stability. His advice to any other children in his position is to be open to it, and to take every opportunity, including fostering.

Speaking to potential foster carers considering the role, Gameel says three qualities are key to making a life-changing difference. “Being caring is the big one, and being reliable. Then, they need to have the confidence to give the young person freedom, but with boundaries.”

What does it take to become a foster parent?
What it takes is willingness, lots of love and patience to offer stability and support to a young person – Team Fostering will find out what kind of person you are and what you can offer – they’ll work with you and the young people who need placing in a foster home to find the right fit for you and for them.

You don’t have to be married or in a relationship, you don’t have to have to have had children yourself. Foster carers come from a variety of backgrounds, experience and circumstances.

You will need to be over 21, have a spare bedroom, drive (or be learning) with access to a car, and be available to care around the clock. If you are currently working, then Team Fostering will advise you whether this would work alongside fostering or not – generally if you work part-time, from home, or for yourself and can commit to be there for the young person around working that will help. Other kids and pets in the home doesn’t rule you out either.

What support will I get?
Foster care is paid employment. Pay depends on the age of child but two thirds of Team Fostering’s youngsters are over 11 and you would receive about £480 per week to care for a teenager. And there’s lots of support both online and in person throughout – nobody will just leave you to it, and there’s always someone on the end of the phone for advice.

Before anything is agreed there are chances to ask, and answer, lots of questions and there will also be home visits from the recruitment team. The process takes about six months from your initial inquiry, but less if you’re transferring from another agency.

How long will the youngsters be with me?
It can vary from one night to long-term but this would be discussed with you at length beforehand.

Why choose Team Fostering?
Team Fostering is a ‘Small but Mighty’ agency which has been helping young people and foster carers for 21 years. The tight-knit team means you get to know them, and they get to know you. They offer extensive support, training and development, a comprehensive activities programme, and holidays with other foster families, so you never feel alone.

Where can I find out more?
You can join Team Fostering at one of their upcoming online information events. The next one is on Tuesday 27 September. Alternatively, click here to read more on our website or just pick up the phone and call 0800 292 2003 for an informal chat.

Source:
www.thestar.co.uk

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