Here at Clifford House, we’re proud to have built an ever-expanding community of incredible foster parents. Let’s explore just ten of the qualities which make our foster parents so exceptional, and the personal qualities which might make you a great fit to foster.
What does it take to become a foster parent in the West Midlands?
When we seek out new foster parents, we aren’t seeking out perfection or only those with years of experience in caring for children. What we’re really looking for is people who are willing to learn all there is to know about being an excellent foster parent, and who have outstanding personal qualities.
To foster in the West Midlands, you’ll need to fit the below criteria:
- Be over the age of 21
- Have a suitable spare bedroom
- Have the right to work in the UK
There is no upper age limit to who can foster, and we welcome everyone regardless of your gender, sexuality, relationship status, or any other personal factor. Whether you’ve worked in childcare for 10+ years or have never so much as babysat for a friend or relative, if you have some of the below qualities, you could make for a fantastic future foster parent.
Qualities we look for in our foster parents
1. Empathy. Empathy is the first quality we look for in all of our potential foster parents, and it is undoubtedly what has driven you towards considering becoming a foster parent. Without a heart filled with empathy and compassion for children who have faced challenging circumstances, a person would not be the right candidate to foster.
2. Ambition. Ambition is an important quality, as it drives us to achieve not only for ourselves, but for our loved ones. All excellent foster parents understand the importance of continuous professional development to help them to be the best foster parents they can be, and eagerly take part in new training opportunities where they can learn new skills.
3. Patience. Many children in foster care have experienced trauma, and therefore require a patient and therapeutic approach to parenting. For children in foster care, traditional parenting methods such as the naughty step are often ineffective; instead, a more gentle approach is needed to help children manage their emotions, which takes patience and understanding.
4. Resilience. Foster care has its ups and downs, and that’s something well always be open and honest about with you here at Clifford House. You’ll likely have hard days as well as incredible moments, and it takes resilience and a network of professional support to always give children your best.
5. Curiosity. We really value curiosity and playfulness in our foster parents. Curiosity is a huge factor in ensuring that you get the best out of our trauma informed training sessions, and by being open to asking questions and always learning more, you’ll be able to connect with your foster child on a deeper level and better understand their world.
6. Great communication skills. By communicating positively with your foster child in a nurturing and compassionate way, you reassure them that you are a safe haven. Practicing great communication strategies such as active listening and careful attention to your body language helps your foster child to feel comfortable and models the skills they’ll need to become effective communicators in their own lives.
7. Valuing hard work. Fostering is incredibly rewarding for those who have a genuine passion for helping others. Any career which involves care work takes sacrifice, selflessness and a determination to do your best. Having a great work ethic and taking pride in what you do also sets an excellent example for the children you’ll be caring for.
8. Finding balance. In order to be a great foster parent, it’s important that you take care of your own needs as well as those of the children in your care. Good time management and finding moments for self-care and recuperation is incredibly important, not only for your own mental health but so that you’re able to be at your best for your foster family. This skill is particularly important for those who choose to foster while working.
9. Openness. We value honestly and openness, not only during the fostering assessment where we’ll get to know your life story in detail, but this skill is also essential in day-to-day life as a foster parent, as you’ll have many interactions with key figures involved in your foster child’s care, including therapists, education specialists and social workers.
10. Community spirit. Being open to asking for help and support from your support network of family, friends and the fostering community is hugely important, and will ensure that you have everything you need to foster successfully. We all know the wise advice that it takes a village to raise a child, and with Clifford House, we’ll ensure that you never feel alone with 24/7 access to support which includes our out-of-hours helpline, regular support groups and free family events.
Join us in our mission to change lives in the West Midlands
There are currently many children across Birmingham and the surrounding areas who are living in the care system. With an increase of 6% more children entering the UK care system just last year, now more than ever is the time to think about making the life-changing decision to become a foster parent.
If you think you share some of the amazing qualities above, consider enquiring with our team about becoming a foster parent this year. We’d love the chance to speak with you and tell you more about how you can change children’s lives in the West Midlands.