Five reasons to consider fostering as a career

Fostering can be a rewarding career choice that offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference in children's and young people’s lives. At Olive Branch Fostering, we believe every child deserves a safe and loving home, and we are committed to supporting our foster carers every step of the way. 

Many children and young people in need of fostering have experienced abuse and neglect, making it difficult for them to trust others and build healthy relationships. Your role as a foster carer is to provide love and encouragement to build a brighter future.

Professionals from various backgrounds find that their skills and expertise translate well to fostering. Whether you come from an education sector, healthcare, social work, counselling, law enforcement, or childcare background, your skills could provide a strong foundation for a career in fostering.

There are many benefits when you choose fostering as a vocation. Not only will you be changing the lives of young people for the better, but you’ll also expand your personal and professional horizons.

1. Make a difference in a child's life

One of the most rewarding aspects of fostering is the opportunity to make a real difference. By providing a stable and nurturing environment, you can help a child or young person overcome challenges, build resilience, and reach their full potential. Many children in foster care have experienced trauma or neglect, and your support could be the key to their healing and growth.

2. Personal growth and development

Fostering is not just about giving to others; it's also a journey of personal growth and development. As a foster carer, you will develop valuable skills in communication, empathy, and problem-solving. You'll learn to adapt to different situations and build strong relationships with young people, social workers, and other professionals in the field. Foster carers also often report an increased awareness, especially when caring for children from different backgrounds from their own.

3. Training courses

We offer our foster carers a variety of free training courses, to ensure you have the latest skills and best practices at your fingertips. Some are mandatory, covering topics like health and safety, whereas other provide extensive information about caring for children with complex needs. Supplementary training can address topics like long-term neglect. All of our foster carers also receive access to a complimentary Foster Talk membership.

4. Foster carer pay, allowance, and benefits

Financial considerations are often a concern when considering a career change, and we understand that fostering can be a full-time commitment; that’s why we offer our foster carers a generous fostering allowance. This allows them to support children and young people, allowing them to focus on giving the best possible care. Our fortnightly allowance varies depending on the needs and age of the child, as well as the number of children you care for and the type of fostering. 

We also provide a complete set of benefits as part of our package, including outings and social events.

5. Join a supportive fostering community

Fostering can sometimes feel like a challenging journey, but you don't have to walk it alone. When you join Olive Branch Fostering, you become part of a supportive community of foster carers who share your passion for making a difference. Our team is here to offer guidance, encouragement, and practical support whenever you need it. This includes 24/7 access to a social worker.

Fostering is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice that offers the chance to make a lasting impact on a child's life while also benefiting from personal growth, support and training. 

Read our blog to discover how Foster Carer Laura transitioned from teacher to carer, using her transferable skills from her previous vocation to help children in need.

If you’d like to find out more about fostering, take the first step today and have a chat with one of our friendly fostering advisors.