Fostering older children
Why foster a child over the age of 11?
Remember approaching your teen years and becoming a teenager? It’s a time of huge changes, learning new skills, forming opinions, making life decisions, navigating relationships plus a few ups and downs along the way. It’s a daunting but incredible time, taking those next steps towards independence and exciting opportunities.
Now imagine life as a teenager or pre-teen if you’ve experienced a difficult childhood without the support you need. Just like younger children, older children need the safety and stability of a loving family, which many young people in need of foster care have not experienced. They need consistency, support, guidance and fun as they develop into young adults.
As a Foster Carer with West Sussex County Council you can provide that stability and discover skills you didn’t know you had! Your role as a Foster Carer is to provide a comfortable and supportive home environment, to be there to guide, reassure and help them through the tough times as well as encourage them to achieve their goals.
Fostering can be challenging but so rewarding and develop into a fulfilling career that offers so much more than the typical 9-5. And you’ll have fun seeing life through a young person’s eyes as they explore the world with energy and curiosity.Â
Fostering older children and teenagers can seem daunting but certain aspects can often be easier than caring for younger children. They will usually be in full-time education, are often more independent and require a lot less physically demanding care and supervision.
Our Foster Carers tell us that there’s no greater joy than seeing a teenager transform from being withdrawn and insecure to confident, calm and happy.
Could I be a Foster Carer for older children?
If you are over 21 years old, have a spare bedroom and have the desire and dedication to helping a young person realise their potential, then you could be a Foster Carer for the older children and teenagers we care for.
Great Foster Carers come from varied backgrounds
You can be single or in a same-sex relationship
There’s no upper age limit to being a Foster Carer
You don’t have to have your own children
You can be renting your home or be a homeowner
You do need a spare room
You can have your own children living at home
You can have pets
You may have experience of parenting your own teenagers or supported teenagers as part of your job as a teacher or youth worker. Or you may have spent time with nieces, nephews or a godchild and feel you have the right qualities. If you think you’ve got what it takes then we’d love to hear from you so please get in touch.
older child support
What support will I receive to help me care for an older child?
As a Foster Carer for West Sussex County Council you’ll never be alone. You will receive professional support and ongoing, comprehensive training. You’ll have your own dedicated Supervising Social Worker and have access to support groups and events where you’ll get to spend time with our other fantastic local Foster Carers, giving you the chance to speak to like-minded people who are both experienced or are new to fostering just like you.
You’ll also receive a competitive financial package of up to £30,000 for each child in your care – helping to cover day-to-day living costs and recognising the vital role you will be playing in a young person’s life. Additional payments will be made to help with other costs like travel related to the role and to help you mark important events for the children you care for like birthdays and Christmas.
You can find dull details of all the support and benefits of fostering with West Sussex County Council by visiting the Why Foster With Us section of the website.
Get in touch
Think you’re ready to make the next step in becoming a Foster Carer or want more information? Get in touch with our friendly Fostering Recruitment Team who will be able to answer any questions you have and guide you through the process of becoming a Foster Carer.
To get in touch you can either:Â
- Complete our quick online enquiry form
- Give us a call on 033 022 27775– the lines are open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday but you can always leave us a message and we’ll call you back
Frequently asked questions
What support will I get to help me care for an older child?
As a Foster Carer for West Sussex County Council, you’ll never be alone. You will receive 24/7 professional support and ongoing, comprehensive training. You’ll have your own dedicated Supervising Social Worker and have access to support groups and events where you’ll get to spend time with our other fantastic local Foster Carers, giving you the chance to speak with like-minded people who are experiencing fostering first hand just like you.
