One of the questions we often get asked is about the fostering allowances provided to foster carers for the child or young person in their care. Here, we give some insight into the funds that OwnLife Fostering provides its foster carers. Fostering allowances Once you become a foster carer, you receive funds each week from OwnLife Fostering which are broken…
Paula lives with her son and daughter as well as their dog Tilly. Based in Beckenham, Paula decided to become a foster carer 18 months ago as she wanted to provide a safe, comfortable home and a happy home life with lots of fun and laughter for a child or young person in need of foster care. Paula’s outgoing, energetic…
There are so many different fostering placements out there and a lesser known one is fostering a parent and their child. Despite being less common, this is an incredibly important placement and needs more attention given to it. This very specialised form of fostering requires a foster carer to support the parent; and teach them how to care for and…
Foster Care Fortnight™ takes place from 13 to 26 May 2019. It is The Fostering Network’s annual campaign to raise the profile of fostering. For this year’s campaign, there’s a focus on how foster care can change futures. This is not only the future of the fostered children but also about the foster care families who look after them. By…
One of the main things we hear when people apply to become a foster carer is the inspiration that led them to call us in the first place. If you’ve been thinking about fostering, then take a look at some of the inspiration behind why some of our carers made the move. There’s many different reasons and we hope these…
In the UK, around 8,000 foster carers are needed. This is 1,000 more than 2017. Which is why we’re reaching out to potential carers to get in touch about becoming a foster carer in 2019. While it may be one of the most challenging things you’ll do – it’s also one of the most rewarding as you make a positive impact…
The experience of being a special guardian inspired Sharday to consider fostering. She is already a mum to four children, now aged 16, 10, 5 and 3. Sharday explains: “I was going to wait until my youngest was five before fostering, but a friend encouraged me to start the application process sooner rather than later. So, just over a year ago,…
In Kent and Surrey, there are many teenagers needing foster placements. If you are over the age of 23, have a spare room and space in your heart, you may just be what we’re looking for. You must be able to offer a range of skills to become a good foster carer; being mindful, empathetic, and understanding. Communication is key…
A type of placement that tends to be less heard of compared to others such as young children and teenagers, is parent and child. This is when a young parent is fostered alongside their baby. What is important to understand when fostering a parent and child is that you need to become a role model and teach them how to…
From 10am-4pm, on 29-30 June we’ll be exhibiting at the Health & Care event at Swanley Town centre. The team will be on hand to let visitors know about foster care in the area. So, if you’re interested in becoming a foster carer, then why not pop by our stand and find out more about OwnLife Fostering and how becoming…