Month: July 2025

Fostering can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do, but let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. When people ask, “What’s the hardest part of fostering?”, there’s no single answer. Every carer, child, and situation is different. But there are a few common challenges that many foster carers experience, especially in those early days. 

Letting go of expectations 

It’s natural to imagine what fostering will be like, how the child will settle in, how you’ll bond, and what your day-to-day life might look like. But children in care often come from very complex backgrounds. They may not trust adults, and they may not respond to kindness in the way you’d expect. Building trust can take time, and it can be frustrating or even heartbreaking when you feel like you’re not getting through. 

The hardest part? Sticking with it when things aren’t going the way you hoped. But also the most powerful part, because when that trust does come, it means everything. 

Saying goodbye 

Even in short-term fostering, deep bonds can form. You might look after a child for just a few weeks, or for months, even years. And when the time comes for them to return home or move on, it can feel like a piece of your heart is going with them. 

It’s part of the job, but it never gets easy. What helps is knowing that you’ve played a part in that young person’s journey, giving them safety, stability, and love when they needed it most. 

Managing behaviour shaped by trauma 

Some children come into foster care after experiencing trauma, neglect, or abuse. That trauma doesn’t vanish when they walk through your front door. It often shows up in how they behave, from anxiety and withdrawal to anger or outbursts. 

It’s not personal. It’s pain. And understanding that can help you respond with empathy rather than frustration. But it’s still emotionally demanding. That’s why ongoing training, wraparound support, and having someone on the end of the phone 24/7, like Progress offers, really matters. 

Navigating the unknown 

Foster carers often have to adapt quickly. Emergency placements can come with very little notice or information. Plans can change overnight. Meetings, school issues, court updates, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes. 

Having a strong support network, both professionally and personally, can make all the difference. At Progress, our carers never go it alone. There’s always someone to guide, support, and step in when things get tough. 

Final thoughts 

The hardest part of fostering isn’t the behaviour or the meetings or even the goodbyes. It’s the emotional resilience it asks of you. But it’s also what makes fostering so powerful. 

You open your heart and your home to a child in need. You give them a fresh start. And while it might be challenging at times, it’s also life-changing, for them and for you. 

If you’re thinking about fostering and want an honest conversation about what it’s really like, our team at Progress is here to talk. No pressure, no judgement, just real answers from people who understand. 

Call us today on 01902 561066 or visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering to start your fostering journey. 

When people talk about fostering, they usually mean something very simple but powerful. It is about opening your home to care for a child or young person who, for one reason or another, cannot live with their own family. 

But fostering is much more than just offering a bed and meals. It is about giving stability, patience, and kindness at a time when a young person really needs it. 

So, what exactly is fostering? 

Fostering is a way of providing care for children and young people who cannot live with their birth families. This might be because of neglect, illness, family breakdown or other difficult circumstances. Sometimes the placement is short-term while things get sorted out. Other times, it can continue for months or even years. 

Foster carers don’t just offer a place to stay. They provide emotional support, routine, encouragement, and a sense of safety. In many ways, a foster family is just like any other. It is where a child can feel seen, heard, and cared for. 

Is fostering the same as adoption? 

No, they are different. With adoption, the adoptive parents take on full legal responsibility for the child for life. In fostering, the local authority remains legally responsible, and the aim is often to return the child to their birth family if that becomes possible. 

This means some foster placements may last just a few days, while others continue until the child turns 18 and is ready for independence. 

Are there different types of fostering? 

Yes. The kind of fostering depends on the needs of each individual child. Some of the main types include: 

• Short-term fostering – temporary care while a longer-term plan is being made. 

• Long-term fostering – ongoing care for a child who cannot return to their birth family. 

• Emergency fostering – immediate care when a child needs a safe place at short notice. 

• Ongoing short breaks – planned, regular breaks (such as one weekend a month or a Saturday every other week) often for children with additional needs, giving their families vital breathing space to continue providing care. 

• Respite care – short-term cover when a foster carer or family is temporarily unavailable, such as during holidays or hospital stays. Unlike ongoing short breaks, respite is usually one-off or occasional. 

• Specialist fostering – for children with additional needs such as disabilities, mental health challenges, or complex behaviours. This also includes Parent and Child fostering, where carers support a young parent and their baby together in the same placement. 

At Progress, we support carers to find the type of fostering that suits their life, home, and experience. You are never alone on the journey. 

Who can foster? 

Foster carers come from all walks of life. You do not need to be married, own your home, or have children of your own. What matters most is that you have a spare bedroom and a genuine desire to make a difference in a child’s life. 

Whether you are working, retired, single, or in a couple, fostering could be an option. And even if you do not have experience with children, we can offer training and support to help you build your confidence and skills. 

Why fostering matters 

For the children and young people who need it, fostering can be life-changing. It offers safety, hope, and a fresh start. For foster carers, it is a chance to be part of something meaningful and to play a role in a child’s journey forward. 

If you have ever thought about fostering, even just once, we would love to speak with you. No pressure and no commitment — just a friendly conversation with someone who understands what fostering really means. 

 

Can I foster and work full-time? 

One of the most common concerns people have when thinking about fostering is how it fits around work. Many people ask, “Can I foster and still keep my full-time job?” The answer is yes, it is possible, but it depends on a few key factors.  

It depends on the type of fostering 

Firstly, inquire whether to consider whether your employer is a ‘Fostering Friendly’ organisation. Progress is a Fostering Friendly organisation. 

Fostering is not one-size-fits-all. Some placements require more time and flexibility than others. For example: 

• Short breaks or respite care can be more flexible and may fit around a working pattern, especially if the care is offered at weekends or during school holidays. 

• Short-term or long-term fostering often involves school runs, meetings with professionals, and being available when children are unwell or have appointments. This can be difficult to manage alongside a full-time job without flexibility or support. 

• Specialist fostering, such as caring for a child with additional needs, usually requires at least one carer to be available full-time.
   

If you work full-time but are considering fostering, it is important to think about whether you can adjust your working hours, work remotely, or share responsibilities with a partner. 

What if I work part-time or shifts? 

Many people who foster work part-time or have jobs with flexible hours. Some foster carers work evenings or weekends, or have self-employed roles that allow them to set their own schedule. Others share caring responsibilities with a partner, so between them they can meet the child’s needs. 

If you work shifts, we would need to look at your availability and whether you would be able to attend key meetings, respond to emergencies, and offer the level of care the child needs. 

At Progress, we talk this through with every applicant and help you explore the types of fostering that would suit your lifestyle. 

What support is available? 

Fostering is a big commitment, especially if you are juggling other responsibilities. That is why Progress offers a strong package of support, including: 

• A dedicated social worker to support and supervise your practice 

• Training that fits around your availability 

• 24/7 out-of-hours support 

• Up to 21 nights of respite care per year 

• We provide access to cashbacks and benefits through the Westfields Health and Rewards  

• Access to Progress services to support your placement 

You are never alone, and we will work with you to make sure fostering fits into your life in a way that is manageable and rewarding. 

What if I want to reduce my hours later? 

Some people start fostering while working full-time and gradually reduce their hours as they settle into their new role. Others use the income from fostering, along with support from Progress, to make a long-term career change. 

Remember, foster carers are self-employed, and payments vary depending on the type of placement and the needs of the child. Specialist care usually comes with a higher level of support and financial reward. 

Final thoughts 

You can foster and work full-time, but it is important to be realistic about your time and energy. The needs of the child come first, and every placement is different. If you are thinking about fostering, the best place to start is with an open conversation. 

At Progress, we will help you look at your current work and life situation and advise you on the best path forward. You do not have to have all the answers — that is what we are here for. Call us today on 01902 561066 or visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering to start your fostering journey.