Caring for Teenagers

Teenagers may be older in years but they need just as much support as younger children.

Did you know that 30% of all the requests Olive Branch received for foster families in 2023 were for teenagers? Right now, there are dozens of teenagers in the north west who need a stable, loving environment.

Fostering teenagers is a crucial and rewarding part of fostering and plays a vital role in shaping the lives of young people who may have faced challenging circumstances. Providing a stable and supportive environment for teenagers in our care can make a significant impact on their development and future outcomes.

Being a role model for teenagers is an opportunity for our foster families to inspire positive change and empower them to make informed decisions. Many teenagers in care have experienced trauma and instability in their early years, and your role as a foster carer can contribute to filling those gaps with stability, understanding, and guidance.

You’ll be welcoming a child into your home at a time of rapid psychological and physical change in their lives, making fostering teens challenging yet extremely fulfilling.

It's important to recognise that fostering teenagers comes with its own set of unique challenges, but with the right support system in place, the rewards can be immense. Adolescence is a critical period for personal growth, and your role in fostering teenagers involves providing them with the tools and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of life as they transition into adulthood.

At Olive Branch we understand these challenges and provide our foster families with the support of experienced supervising social workers, comprehensive training, and ongoing guidance to ensure that our foster families are equipped to handle the complexities of fostering older children and young people. Establishing routines, setting boundaries, and offering a nurturing environment are essential components of your role as a foster carer for teenagers.

By fostering teenagers, you have the opportunity to positively impact their lives, helping them overcome past challenges and providing a foundation for a brighter future.