Qualities of foster carers

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:

• the 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
• can engender 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.