Foster Care Fortnight 2022

“I can honestly say, for each child I’ve fostered I have learned so much, and I can say that every child will bring something really special to the table”

Siobhan (Fair Ways Foster Carer)

As part of Foster Care Fortnight, we want to speak about why foster carers and fostering communities are so important to our children and young people.

Did you know that as of March 2021, the number of children looked after rose to 80,850, a 1% increase on the previous year? And whilst the number of foster carers has also increased, there’s simply not enough to keep up with the demand in the sector. 

From parent’s having an illness or addiction, to domestic violence, abuse or neglect, there’s many reasons why children come into care, whether it be for short term, long term or as respite. 

Needless to say, it’s often an incredibly stressful and frightening time for young people being removed from their family and a life they’re familiar with. Unfortunately, this can also mean that children entering the care system may have suffered emotionally as a result of past traumatic experiences. 

At Fair Ways, we offer a range of specialist support and services for both our young people and foster carers. From help with self-harm, anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioural issues and much more, our in-house therapeutic Hub is a multi-disciplinary team of professionals on-hand to all children and young people. This ensures they have instant access to a range of services tailored to their needs, avoiding potentially lengthy waiting lists with the NHS and other support services in their area. 

Dedicated support workers are on hand to offer regular 1:1 meetings with our children in care, helping build healthy relationships and work through behavioural and emotional issues. They’re also available to our foster carers, offering weekly updates and monthly visits. You will also have complimentary access to a range of therapeutic services, resources, and training as and when you need them.  

Education is incredibly important, and we’re proud to say that Fair Ways have 2 specialist schools, working with students aged 11 to 19 who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties or Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC), this is another great support system for our foster children.

Every child and young person deserves a safe, loving environment and a support network that helps them as they move into young adulthood. They deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential, and whilst not all children and young people get off to the best start, you can be a huge part of changing their life for the better. 

If you’ve got room in your home and heart and would like to be part of a charity that puts children and young people at the heart of everything we do, get in touch with our team today.

To find out more please click here.