Who can become a foster carer?
Could you become a foster carer with FFI? We’d love to hear from you.
Foster carers are a diverse group of people from a wide range of backgrounds. At FFI, our selection criteria is based upon the applicant's ability to provide a safe, caring and supportive environment for children and young people in care - independent of age, race, sexual orientation, home ownership status or income.
However, there are 5 key logistical requirements that you are required to satisfy in order to become a foster carer with FFI:
- That you have a spare bedroom in your home
- As the main carer, that you are able to commit to fostering on a full-time basis. (Exclusions may apply. Contact an FFI fostering advisor on 1850 211593 or complete our enquire online form for further information)
- That you are over the age of 25
- That you carry a Full Driving License
- If you are fostering as a couple, that you have been in your relationship for at least 5 years
What are the personal qualities required of a foster carer?
Foster carers require patience, selflessness, encouragement, and a willingness to adapt to the child’s needs. Quality foster carers provide a nurturing and welcoming family environment through which the child or young person can flourish. Above all, those who can become a foster carer must be able to put the child first.
Rewarding FFI foster carers
FFI foster carers are rewarded emotionally and financially. Emotionally, fostering a child can be a highly fulfilling experience by helping a child or young person to achieve their potential. And financially, in order to recruit the very best foster carers, FFI offers highly competitive fostering allowances and fees.
If you are thinking of becoming a foster carer, you may wish to consider:
- Could I put myself in the child's shoes?
- Do I have the patience, commitment and understanding to help a child regardless of their background – even when they’re not ‘my own’?
- Would I consider caring for a distressed child, or a child with behavioural problems or learning difficulties?
It helps if applicants have some previous fostering or related child care experience, but the more important requirement of a foster carer is the foster carer themselves: their personality, their enthusiasm and their commitment to making a difference. Do you have these qualities? Enquire online today.
Shortage Of Carers
Foster carers needed for older children & young people - FFI needs more foster carers for children and young people aged 10-18 across Ireland...
Fostering Events
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