Past research has indicated that Foster carers can often feel the same level of concern and care for the children they foster as they do for their own children. It is not uncommon for them to have quite overwhelming feeling of loss when a child or young person moves on. It is not just their grief and sadness, it can have a significant effect on their birth children. Back in the year 2013 ‘The Impact of Fostering on Foster Carer’s Children’ drew attention to the emotional upset and trauma that these children can experience. The experience recorded by a daughter in one fostering family, was that she felt guilt at the ending of a placement – often feeling that it was in some way her fault. Her way of coping was the decision not to get too close to children being placed in her family: “you have to try not to get too close to them because then it’s harder when they go.” Other research has concluded that the thought of a child departing can be a factor determining the success of a placement. It is recognised that for some families, it can be hard to get over the feelings of grief and loss when a child leaves their care. This in turn can affect their readiness to accept another placement. This delay is not helpful when there is so much pressure in the system and children needing to be found foster homes.

The effect of children leaving on recruiting foster carers.

There is a current shortage of Foster Carers in the UK: the shortfall is over 7,000 foster families. Recruiting and retaining foster carers is a real challenge for both local authorities and the independent fostering agencies (IFAs). The risk is that many prospective carers can be put off fostering because of the emotional risks inherent in the role. When feelings of loss and grief continue after the departure of a child, it can affect the quality of the care provided to other children then coming into placement.

In England last year (figures for March 31st, 2017) there were 53,420 children living with foster families. This was around 78% of the 68,300 youngsters in the care system. The Fostering Network was anticipating then, that an additional 5,900 foster families would need to be recruited. This argues strongly that plenty of support needs to be in place for existing carers to deal with the feelings of loss and separation when a child they have been caring for moves on.

Why foster?

It should always be remembered  that deciding two become a foster carer can lead to some amazing and rewarding experiences. How many career choices in life can make such a profound and positive effect on the life of a child or young person. For a child who has suffered trauma, suddenly being able to feel safe; perhaps for the first time, in the home you provide can be life altering. Children cannot be blamed for the devastating experiences they are sometimes forced to undergo – they have no control – being a loving foster parent can create a new world for them. It is one where there is the prospect of being able to do well at school and then feel they have the right to a future.

Sadly, many children are now coming into care having suffered trauma. This can often be the result of the wholesale breakdown of family life. This can be accompanied by abuse and neglect of various types – the latest figures show that 65% of children have ended up in foster care due to these causes. 

We provide specialist therapeutic fostering training for people who wish to care for children who have suffered abuse and neglect.

Call 020 8427 3355 if you would like to find out more about the kind of difference you could make by training to be a foster carer.

Latest news at the end of today’s Rainbow…look out for news of our cake making competition and remember, make time to visit the news section of our website http://bit.ly/2e8PrIK

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