Questions to consider
Becoming a carer is a serious decision for any family. It is a commitment that should not be made without prior discussion and consideration of the changes and challenges that are part of the foster or kinship carer experience.
It is important that you sit down with your partner, your children or any other significant people in your life to consider the impact that fostering may have.
Here are some questions you may like to ask:
- What other stresses are there on our family at the current time?
- Is this a good time to invite new challenges?
- How would we cope with the uncertainty of the length of stay of children in our care?
- How would we cope if a child or young person placed in our home has difficult or out-of-the-ordinary behaviours?
- Can we cope with a child or a young person returning to the care of their parents when we feel that they may not provide the same standard of care that we have?
- How will our family adjust to the addition of other members? What changes, compromises or sacrifices will need to be made? Is everyone prepared to make these changes?
- If in a relationship - is our relationship strong enough at this time for us to work as a team and support one another?
- If single - have I considered the lifestyle changes and loss of privacy associated with sharing my home with a child or young person?
- Last updated
- 3 August 2007