How to Become a Foster Carer

West Berkshire Council is looking for special people to join their team of foster carers to cover short and long term placements, short breaks and respite. In Foster Care Fortnight you can see the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers and find out if it’s something you can offer local children in need.

These three foster carers share their experiences:

This can sometimes mean working with a child’s family or about becoming involved with agencies that look out for the child’s wellbeing. It may also include joining in with meetings to try to piece together the jigsaw of their current needs and to plan for what they’ll need in the future.

West Berkshire Council offers fantastic essential training to help foster carers make the most of their abilities and skills and develop new ones to help children who may have had distressing experiences. They offer great support groups to give you a chance to learn from other carers and share your own experiences too.

Lynne Clarke, Team Manager for the Family Placement Team said, “We pride ourselves on offering the highest levels of training and support to our foster carers. Fostering is challenging but extremely rewarding and our experts are with our carers every step of the way. Most children who are in care for any length of time do not forget their carers. This is more than just a job, and the people that take on this important role really do make a difference.”

Foster carers can be single or with a partner; working or not working; renting or owning their home.

Nikki explains what the experience is like for a couple without birth children: