Becoming a carer for foster children is one of the best options if you love to care for children. In fact, you can change the lives of children when you choose to become a carer.
However, like any other profession, it requires you to meet specific criteria so that you can do your job well.
Many people do not know what exactly they need to do if they want to become a carer. As stated by Tahir Khan from Perpetual Fostering (https://perpetualfostering.co.uk/), all aspiring carers must undergo a health check as part of their assessment. As fostering children is typically physically demanding, carers must show their capabilities.
It is one of the criteria that you need to meet if you want to become a carer and this is not that only one. There are so many other things that you need to meet.
Here is a list of things that you need to have to qualify.
Loving and Caring
It is crucial for you to be a lovable and loving person. You should be a person who can connect well with the kids and guide them. If you do not have this essential quality, it is not wise for you to apply for this job.
You need to be a person who is good at controlling anger and one who does not abuse others physically. Now, this is the first and main attribute that you need to possess if you want to become a successful foster carer.
It is essential for you to understand the fact that carers who are nice and lovable have high chances of getting better compensation from the agencies.
Pass The Criminal Background Test
It is essential for you to have a clean record with the local authorities. The safety of the kids is of the utmost importance to the local authorities and fostering agencies. They will not send children to people who have a criminal record.
You should apply for this position only if you have a clean record and are okay with the agency doing a background check on you. There is no way you can take up the job if you do not cooperate with them on this aspect.
Number Of Bedrooms
It is vital for you to have sufficient bedrooms in the home. You need to have a separate bedroom for the children that you are planning to foster. Foster agencies or local authorities do not like children suffering when they are placed under foster care. Hence, if you are living in a small home, you should plan on moving to a bigger home to accommodate for foster children.
Have A Good Income
If you are one who has a good income and a flexible job, it is good to consider caring for foster children. Agencies and authorities are keen to put kids under the care of individuals who have a stable income. Emergencies can happen at any time.
As a foster parent, it is essential for you to have the flexibility to go home when required to attend to these responsibilities. Some people have a busy life as they spend most of their time working. If you are one such person, then it is something that you should not plan on doing.
Single Or Married
Many people do not know if they are eligible to become foster parent as they are not married. You do not have to be married to become one. It does not matter if you are single or married, you can still become a carer.
As long as you have the desire to take care of the kids, you can proceed forward. On top of it, it is vital for you to meet the criteria that are mentioned above. Most of the agencies require you to be above 21 years of age so that you can fulfill the duties of a carer without any hassle.
Home Is Safe And Secure
Agencies or local authorities that screen your application will check your home to see if it is safe and secure. If your home passes the safety check, there are high chances for your application to get approved. If not, you should plan on renovating to meet the requirements specified by the government. In case, the home you are living is leased, you should plan on moving into another house.
These are some things that you need to check or evaluate before applying for the position of a carer.