Who makes a good foster parent?
On this page you will find information about the qualities we look for in prospective foster carers.
We are looking for people who have the following qualities:
- time, patience and resilience to thoroughly meet the needs of a looked after child
- are empathetic and non-judgemental about the child, their background, and their family
- a positive attitude to diversity and difference
- can provide day-to-day care for children or young people placed in their care, with particular regard for the needs of being separated from their families
- are flexible in handling a wide range of difficult and demanding situations that may occur
- 'stickability'
- good communication skills
- ability to advocate on behalf of those in your care in professional meetings, for example, at school or college
- ability to meet the social, physical, intellectual, cultural, emotional and social needs of the child or young person in your care
- ability to work in partnership with birth families and other professionals
- ability to give praise, encouragement, rewards and enhance the child or young person's self esteem
- appropriate child care knowledge and skills
- ability to be a positive role model
- resourcefulness and ability to seek support
- ability to learn from experience and training.