Fostering Teenagers
Helping young people reach independence
Can you take a teenager into your home and help a young adult to leave it?
Planning to leave home can be a terrifying as well as an exciting event for anyone. Most of us are grateful for the help of our families at this time. But who’s there for 15–18 year olds who don’t have the support of families of their own?
Without help, too many of these young people can find it hard to obtain jobs or accommodation. As a result they can suffer from all kinds of problems and may face a life on benefits or even homelessness.
Teenagers need carers who remember the emotional and physical turmoil of being this age and who can try to help them feel secure and confident.
Would you enjoy the challenges and rewards of fostering 15 – 18 year olds?
Do you want to help young people to face the future with more confidence and optimism?
Can you work with the Leaving Care Team to help young people to prepare for independent living?
Foster carers for 15 – 18 year olds receive training, support and payments. The biggest reward though is seeing just how much they can help a young person to feel secure enough to make realistic plans for the future.
It’s not always easy being a foster carer for this age group. Remember when you were a teenager? But the rewards are well worth it and the help is always there when you need it.
- "He’s bigger than me. His trainers smell – well they used to. And he’s lovely." - Val, foster carer
- "She puts on this big act, but inside she’s scared stiff." - Sandra, foster carer
- "They’ve got their whole lives in front of them, haven’t they? And it’s just as well when you think of the past some of them have had. Anything I can do that helps them build a bit of hope and belief in themselves makes it all worthwhile." - Alan, foster carer
Want to know more?
If you would like to know more about fostering or, if you would like to apply, please contact us.