Hello there, future foster carer! We know you've got questions that would be best answered by real live foster carers and perhaps the most common one being, "What does a typical day for a foster family look like?" Well, we have a treat for you! Last week, Valerie, a foster carer with Origins since 2019, shared what it's like to welcome a child in care into your home, and this week we're thrilled to get her perspective once again, this time on what a typical day for a foster carer looks like.
Now, you might be thinking that a day in the life of a foster carer is vastly different from that of any other family, but you're in for a surprise. According to Valerie, life as a foster carer resonates with the same familiarity and comfort as any other day-to-day life with children. Yes, the alarm clocks still ring too early, the school lunches still need packing, and yes, there's always homework to oversee in the evenings.
A typical day for me, for a foster family in our world, is very similar. It's a normal day-to-day life.
Just as with any family, Valerie's routine includes some unique elements. Occasionally, there are scheduled visits with social workers and the Origins support team, along with scheduled times to meet with biological family members. And no, these are not sudden inspections or unexpected visits – everything is planned out well in advance. At Origins, we believe in creating a support system for our foster carers, so when one of our team comes out, they're there to uplift and empower you to be the best carer you can be. These visits provide carers with an invaluable opportunity for open communication and guidance, ensuring that you never feel overwhelmed in your fostering journey.
A significant pillar in the Origins support system is the relationship with your link worker. Valerie's experience highlights this relationship as a robust backbone of support. The link worker is your go-to resource, offering advice, insight, and sometimes, a much-needed listening ear.
Maintaining a diary of appointments and visits may seem like a lot, but in Valerie's experience, it becomes an integral part of your family routine, just like remembering the dentist appointment for anyone else in the house. It's about mastering the art of juggling familial responsibilities, a task made easier with the unwavering support of Origins.
Valerie's video, which you can view below, beautifully captures the essence of a day in the life of a foster carer. We hope it gives you a sense of the normalcy, structure, and above all love and care that fills an Origins foster home.
If you find resonances of your family life (or the family life you would like) in Valerie's story, then perhaps the path of foster care could be an exciting and rewarding journey for you, whether you're already a parent or stepping into the role for the first time. We're here, ready and eager to support you every step of the way. Take the first step towards joining the Origins fostering family by filling out the application form to become a foster carer here!
Reach out for any questions and enquiries. A member of our fostering team will get back to you as soon as possible.
