Foster a teenager
Could you foster a teenager?
Many people have pre-conceived ideas about what fostering teenagers is like, some think they might be difficult to control or that they'll be too much trouble. It's true that most of the children in care have had various problems, but that's not the same thing as being badly behaved. Some have been the victim of neglect and abuse and others have had to go into care because a parent has died or has had to go into hospital.
Fostering teenagers isn't without its challenges. Unsurprisingly, they tend to want to make sense of what's happened to them which often means foster carers end up being a sounding board for their frustrations. Some struggle to get used to having boundaries, because they've never had this before.
There are many positives to fostering teenagers, our foster carers tell us that if you invest time in these young people, listen to them, support and encourage them, in time you can build good relationships and really help them turn their lives around.
Watch this video to hear first-hand what it's like fostering teenagers - hear from our teenagers and their foster carers. To find out more Contact us for an informal chat.
About some of the teenagers who need fostering
Almost 15 teenagers in Kirklees are currently in temporary placements waiting to find a stable foster family to care for them. Here's some information about just some of the teenagers to give you a little insight in to who they are and what they're like. Could you be the difference they're looking for?