Can you make a career out of fostering?
A common question we receive at Unity Foster Care is: ‘Can I work full time while fostering?’ The answer largely depends on individual circumstances. For example, in a situation where a couple fosters and one person works full time, this may be manageable. However, if a single foster carer wishes to work while fostering, it’s important to understand that fostering can be as demanding as a full-time job.
Fostering is not just a rewarding endeavour; it is a valid career choice. Foster carers are in high demand across the UK, but could fostering be the right career choice for you?
Whether you’ve recently started looking for a new opportunity or have been considering fostering for a while, read on to explore the potential benefits of fostering as a fulfilling career.
A fulfilling career choice
Fostering can be a truly rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to transform the lives of children and young people in need. Foster carers provide stability, guidance, and love to children who have often experienced trauma and uncertainty. The opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life, to help them grow and thrive, is one of the greatest rewards fostering offers.
Does fostering pay?
One of the primary concerns for potential foster carers can be that of financial stability. This is why we provide a generous fostering package. Foster carers with Unity Foster Care can earn between £350-£750 per week, depending on individual circumstances. We also provide financial support for summer holidays, religious festivals and birthdays.
Training and support
Fostering is a professional role, and like any other career, it requires training and ongoing development. When you become a foster carer with Unity Foster Care, you’ll receive 24/7 support, full training, and access to a free Foster Talk membership. Before any placement is made, you’ll receive training in areas like first aid, online safety, trauma care, and more.
Flexibility and work-life balance
One of the appealing aspects of fostering as a career is the flexibility it offers. Many foster carers appreciate the ability to work from home and manage their own schedules. This flexibility can be especially beneficial for those with other family commitments or who are looking for a career change that allows them to make a difference while maintaining a work-life balance. Levels of flexibility can vary depending on the type of fostering. For example, respite fostering can be anything from one night to five weeks at a time, whereas long-term fostering is a bigger commitment. Our foster carers also receive paid respite leave.
Fostering is more than just a job; it’s a vocation that allows you to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people who need it most. If you have a passion for helping others, a desire to make a difference, and the dedication to support a child through some of the most challenging times in their life, fostering could be the career path you’ve been looking for.
At Unity Foster Care, we’re dedicated to supporting foster carers in Leeds, Yorkshire, and surrounding areas in the North East.
If you are interested in making a difference in a child or young person’s life, get in touch today to learn more about fostering and how you can start your journey towards becoming a great foster carer. You’ll need to be over age 25, have an available spare bedroom, and have UK citizenship.
Start a conversation by calling us on 0333 772 2333. Alternatively, book an initial chat with our friendly advisor Gemma, who is here to answer any questions and guide you through the fostering process.