Find out more about fostering!

Our Introduction to Fostering Brochure is packed full of useful information for those wanting to find out more about fostering. With lots to read and watch, including videos of our children, families and staff sharing their experiences, it should give you a good overview of fostering with The Hazel Project and help you understand what fostering really involves. If, after looking through the brochure, you would like to find out more, we would be happy to pop out to meet you to answer all of your questions and ensure that you have all of the information you need to decide whether you are ready to begin your fostering journey!

Key Responsibilities

• To be a great Foster Parent, you must have the kindest of hearts and the warmest of smiles but also be able to stand up and advocate for your child, surrounded by the frustrations of a sometimes less than perfect care system.
• A childcare qualification is not required, but being able to play, to laugh and to not take yourself too seriously is a great start.
• You must be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get mucky; whether that be finger painting fun if you prefer to foster little ones, den building adventures for the middleys or home cooking lessons for those fostering teenagers reaching independence.
• A good pair of eyes and ears are essential, to be able to keep your child safe and to help them begin to heal from the trauma of their past.
• You will need to be open to understanding their behaviours and where they stem from and help them learn new ways to communicate their needs to you.
• Empathy, non-judgement, and acceptance will help children build trust, enabling them to develop and grow.
• You will need strong shoulders to share the weight of the world that they have been carrying on their own for so long, despite their tender years.
• You should be friendly and sociable and happy to be the most important professional in our team.
• There will be stacks of training, and lots of activities and events to enjoy with your children and fellow foster families - gaming buses, pamper days and festivals aplenty.
• You should find joy in the little moments in life - when George finally takes off his coat after weeks of living with you because he’s decided that he might actually stay or when Lexi gives you her first small wobbly smile.
• Each day will be completely different, so you will need to be flexible and happy to go with the flow.
• Things can change quickly in the world of fostering and your children will need you to provide them with reassurance and stability and to be their anchor when the seas get choppy.
• You will need to have a great sense of humour and oodles of resilience.
• You will be helping children to develop healthy, positive attachments with others and to realise that they are worthy of your time, attention and love.

Benefits

• Work with an Ofsted outstanding rated organisation.
• Work with a caring, dedicated and supportive team.
• Receive 21 days respite (health and social care's equivalent to annual leave).
• Be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation where you will be valued for the incredible work that you do as a Foster Parent.
• Excellent rates of pay.
• Most importantly, you will be making a real and lasting difference to young lives - what greater benefit could there be?