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Fostering in Scotland
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The Challenges and Rewards of Fostering in Scotland
July 13, 2011
Nicola and Ernie, foster carers from Perth, began fostering in Scotland due to the first-hand experience of a close friend. Since joining FCA, the couple have had six placements, the first of which is still with them. For Nicola and Ernie, fostering has been a challenge, but also a huge reward for the whole family.
It was a close friend of Nicola’s, who had been fostering for 12 years, who first brought the idea of foster care to light for Nicola and Ernie. Nicola was intrigued, and began to spend more and more time with the family, during which she became more interested in becoming a foster carer herself.
“My partner and I had very different childhoods,” explains Nicola. “Ernie has five brothers and sisters, whereas I’m an only child. Ernie has lived in the same village all his life and my parents have travelled all over the world. Despite this, we both agree we couldn’t have had a better start in life and both had a wonderful experience of childhood. We felt we could help provide this for children who were less fortunate than ourselves.”
Improving outcomes through fostering
For Nicola, the decision to become a foster carer has led her to feel like a parent, a teacher, an agony aunt, a nurse, a homemaker, a chef, a taxi driver and an administrator at different turns. Each of their placements has been unique and varied, and taught them something new.
“As a family we enjoy seeing children flourish and grow,” says Nicola. “We enjoy the challenges and the satisfaction knowing we make a huge difference in their lives. Being a foster carer does affect your lifestyle and you have to be adaptable to accommodate different children of all ages and stages. Children are individuals and have varying needs, which requires flexibility. It will definitely have a huge impact on your household.
“We have had six placements with FCA so far and our first placement – a brother and sister – are still with us. As foster carers we have to attend various meetings with other professionals concerning the children. It can certainly never be described as boring!”
Fostering in Scotland with FCA
When thinking about becoming foster carers, Nicola and Ernie had to anticipate the many changes they would be making to their lives, as well as the lives of their family. For this couple, with the support of their family and friends, it was their own personal qualities they had to consider.
“To become a successful foster carer, you must be open-minded and up for a challenge,” says Nicola. “Foster carers need a good sense of humour and a positive outlook on life. You should also consider the intrusion to your lifestyle and household as carers will have many other professionals visiting them at home.
“The foster carer support we receive from FCA is always available. I have used the Team Parenting™ education service in particular and have found it to be invaluable when dealing with various schools.”
As well as the support they have received from their local office, Nicola and Ernie take part in the wide variety of foster care training courses available through FCA.
“We have a number of fostering training days and there are other specific courses held throughout the year,” explains Nicola. “The training is excellent; I have found the courses to be very useful and have applied many strategies to my work at home. I have also been the carers’ representative for the Perth office and have recently moved on to become the Chair Representative. This has been really interesting and allowed me to meet with carers from all over the UK.
“Overall, fostering with FCA is a positive experience. Carers are valued and respected for the difficult job they do. All the staff are very supportive to carers and very approachable.”
Are you thinking of fostering in Scotland?
For more information about fostering in Scotland with FCA, call us on 0800 023 4561 or enquire online today. It could be the decision that changes your life, as well as the lives of children and young people in your local area.
