Do You Have The Qualities?

You may wish to consider the following in helping you to decide whether you have the qualities to become a foster carer with Key Assets.

• You genuinely like and enjoy children and can remain enthusiastic about them even when things are difficult
• You understand that looking after children from another family is different to caring for children of your own family
• You appreciate that fostering will have an impact on your own children and your wider family
• You do not expect children to be grateful for the care you show or demonstrate through your actions
• You can accept that a fostered or young person may take time to respond to the care you offer
• You can accept a child who may reject or strongly disagree with ideas, views and feelings that you hold
• You can understand that children may lie, steal or display sexualised behaviour
• You can allow and encourage a child to have feelings of affection for others
• You can accept and deal with anger from children
• You have a good sense of humour
• Your marriage, partnership or support network of friends and family can withstand the pressures associated with fostering
• You can, when necessary, reach out to others for support
• You are willing to share your life experiences with others
• You can accept that things in your house might be messed up, moved or broken
• You can accept failure in yourself and others
• You can be pleased with small steps of progress