#fosteringdifferently
Question Everything. Learn Relentlessly.
Belong Fiercely.
We don't believe there’s one right way to foster.
SO, WHAT DOES FOSTERING DIFFERENTLY MEAN IN PRACTICE?
It means being willing to look beyond behaviour.
It means questioning assumptions.
It means being a little bit pirate (yes, really!)
It means learning when things don't go to plan.
It means reflecting on what you could do differently.
It means asking difficult questions.
It means challenging the status quo when something isn't working for a child.
It means celebrating difference rather than expecting everyone to fit the same mould.
It means knowing when to ask for help.
It means giving things another go.
And it means being part of a community that believes we can always do better for children.
It means we…
Because every child is different. Every story is different. And every foster carer brings something different to the role.
At Community Foster Care, we’ve been challenging traditional approaches to fostering for almost 30 years. We’re not interested in doing things simply because “that’s how it’s always been done.”
We want to understand what works for children – and keep learning, questioning and improving.
That’s what fostering differently means to us.
Could it mean the same to you?
QUESTION EVERYTHING. LEARN RELENTLESSLY. BELONG FIERCELY.
LEARN RELENTLESSLY.
Nobody becomes an expert foster carer overnight.
And we don't expect you to have all the answers.
We believe great fostering comes from being willing to learn, reflect and keep developing – throughout your fostering journey.
That's why learning is built into the way we support our foster carers.
You'll have access to training, reflective supervision, support groups and specialist professionals who can help you understand the children you're caring for and reflect on your experiences.
Our therapeutic approach draws on psychodynamic thinking, therapeutic parenting, critical reflection, collaborative and relational practice, and trauma-informed care.
We are not here to tell you what to do.
We help you understand why.
And we encourage you to keep asking questions.
Because the more we understand, the better we can respond to the children in our care.
WE DON'T WANT YOU TO FIT THE MOULD
There isn't one type of person who makes a great foster carer.
You don't have to be perfect.
You don't have to have all the answers.
And you don't have to look like the stereotypical foster carer.
What matters is your ability to build relationships, stay curious, reflect on your experiences and put a child's needs first.
You might be single or part of a couple.
You might have children or not.
You might have fostered before or be completely new to it.
What matters is your willingness to learn and your commitment to making a difference.
In fact, if you've always questioned the way things are done, love learning new things and value being part of something bigger than yourself...
You might be exactly the kind of person we're looking for.
QUESTION EVERYTHING.
Curiosity matters.
Children in foster care may communicate their experiences through behaviour, emotions and relationships. Rather than simply asking, “How do we stop this?”, we encourage our foster carers to ask:
“What is this behaviour trying to tell us?”
Our therapeutic, trauma-informed approach gives you the knowledge and confidence to look beneath the surface, understand a child’s experiences and think differently about what they need.
And we don't expect you to accept everything at face value.
Question assumptions. Challenge old ideas. Be curious.
Because sometimes, doing what's best for a child means doing something differently.
BELONG FIERCELY.
Fostering can be challenging.
You shouldn't have to face those challenges alone.
When you foster with Community Foster Care, you're not simply joining an agency.
You're joining a community.
A community of foster carers and professionals who share knowledge, challenge each other, celebrate successes and support one another when things get tough.
We believe strong relationships matter – for children and for the adults caring for them.
That's why we create opportunities for foster carers to connect, reflect and learn together, alongside ongoing professional support.
We want you to feel that you belong here.
Not because you fit a particular mould.
But because you bring your own experiences, ideas and perspective to our community.
“I used to work in schools and saw so many children in desperate need of stability and a safe place to call home. Witnessing that on a daily basis made me think that if I felt that strongly, maybe I could do something about it.”
Maggie, CFC Foster Carer
Ready to learn more? Get in touch via the form below to organise an informal chat - no pressure, just an opportunity to ask whatever’s on your mind.
Contact us.
Whether you have a specific question or just want to get more information about fostering in general, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.