At Blue Sky Fostering, we know that initially taking the leap into fostering is a decision which shouldn’t be taken lightly. You need to make sure you have all the skills necessary to be a successful and caring foster carer, but for this to happen the foster child needs to co-operate with their foster carers and help to create a loving rapport. Fostering teenagers can be tough, especially when they have challenging behaviour.
It’s common for teenagers to be hormonal and a handful to control, but with Blue Sky Fostering at your side every step of the way with our TLC service and the extra support foster carers receive when working with us, you’ll be sure to tackle the challenge head on.
Teenagers need carers who are reliable, patient and trustworthy and they need to know where they stand. Foster carers need to listen, be there to talk to and help them make sense of their worries. Teenagers also need help to organise their own lives, deal with feelings and stay in touch with their family. Foster parents need to encourage teenagers’ practical skills which will be important in the future, such as living independently, cooking, cleaning and managing money.
Empty Nesters
The most common group of foster carers to foster a teenager are ‘Empty Nesters’. Empty Nesters are parents whose children have grown up and left home but miss the hustle and bustle of having teenage children around the house. They have experience in looking after teenagers and usually have the home to accommodate them. Empty Nesters also have the know how to deal with the kind of problems which may crop up in a teenagers day to day life.
TLC Service & Extra Support
Blue Sky Fostering are there for you every step of the way, whether you are a foster carer or foster child, we can help. We talked to our experienced carers, asking what support they expected from us. Here are the areas they highlighted:
Being a foster carer, you receive an appropriate level of payment for caring for a child, which covers living costs and education etc.
The allowance also allows you to do activities and fun days out with your child. It’s important to build a rapport and trust with your children, this is a great way to do so.
Regular day to day contact with your own social worker.
Our Blue Sky Fostering social workers are on hand to answer questions and provide support for whatever is needed on your journey as a foster carer.
Support meetings with small groups including other foster parents.
Discuss any mutual hurdles you may come across. This is a great way to meet other foster carers and help each other along the way.
Social events / outings for all foster carers & children.
These are great to attend to make sure the whole Blue Sky family can be as one.
Training in all aspects of looking after troubled children and specific opportunities to develop your skills and specialist interests.
We can educate you in how to deal with tricky situations at home, dealing with challenging behaviour and showing support to your child.
If you feel you would like more information on fostering teenagers in Kent, please do get in touch with us today. You can also find out more information on Therapeutically Led Care on our website. We are always on the search for people to start fostering in Kent so we will be happy to hear from you.