Is your nest a little bit roomy?
It’s that time of year again where many young people are about to embark on a new chapter in their lives as they head off to university.
After years of raising and organising children parents can be left with that “empty nest” feeling; not quite knowing how to fill the time now the children are fending for themselves.
Why not fill that nest back up by becoming a foster carer?
Foster carers are desperately needed to provide stable, loving homes to support children who are unable to live at home for a time, either for a short term or on a longer term basis.
Existing parents with older children who have flown the nest could make fantastic foster carers. Bringing up children throughout all of their major milestones provides a wealth of experience and skills that could be so cherished by other children who may not currently have the supportive environment they need.
According to the Fostering Network the average age for foster carers is now 53 for females and 54 for males, up from 46 and 47 respectively in 2000.
This suggests that indeed parents are waiting until their own children are a little older and moving out of the family home before becoming foster carers, potentially allowing even more time to be dedicated to the foster children and their needs.
Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “People accrue all this parenting knowledge bringing up their own children that is invaluable to us and could be used to foster a local child.
“We need foster carers to look after children of all ages, including sibling groups, and also those children with disabilities.
“So if your children have flown the nest, why not consider giving other young people a loving home and put to use those parenting skills that you have spent years developing.”
Recruiting more local foster carers means children have a better chance of remaining near to their families, friends and schools.
All sorts of people make great foster carers with the right training and support, find out more here or drop in to Southwater One any Friday between 12 – 2pm and chat to foster carers and staff.
