Focus on Foster Fortnight
13th - 26th May

Foster Fortnight is a national awareness campaign when foster carers all over the country tell their own stories about the fantastic job they do. It is hoped it will inspire more people to become foster carers to help to meet the growing demand for safe and secure homes for children in need.

Alex, 42, has been a foster carer for seven years with Compass Fostering, having worked with young people previously, and explains that it is the best job he has ever had. Below is his story:

“I’ve always worked in the care industry including a Rough Sleepers Project working with the homeless in Brighton. Even then I was thinking about fostering but I knew that I didn’t want to do it in isolation as having a support network around you is, I think, very important.

My parents were foster carers when I was young and although I’d always worked with young people I wasn’t sure if I could do it 24/7 and have them in my home. But then I decided that I didn’t want to regret never giving it a try so I moved back to Northampton where my family still lives and got in touch with Compass to find out more about what it involved. Initially I thought I would assist with short term placements but since becoming a foster carer I have had seven children between 11 years and 18 years old placed with me in total, some short term, some long term. One placement was for an asylum seeker which brought up a whole new set of challenges.

One of the lads I have living with me at the moment has been with me for four years. It’s true there have been hard times, but there are lots of times when you realise you are making a difference and giving children the attention and support that they need. It’s the best job I’ve ever had, although I appreciate it is not for everyone. You have to be a certain type of person and have certain strengths and strategies. It’s changed my life for the good.”

To become a foster family, one adult needs to be home-based as a self-employed foster carer, plus there needs to be a spare bedroom (fully furnished). Foster carers receive between £305.34 and £428.40 per child per week plus training and support. Compass Fostering was judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2012 and offers placements across the Midlands. Interested? Get in touch today to find out more.

Call 0800 566 8317 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.compasschildren.co.uk

 

compass fostering

compass fostering

compass fostering