Fostering teenagers
Being a foster parent for teenagers is often easier and more rewarding than you may initially think.
Sadly, the number of teenagers in foster care across the UK is rising, and so we're urging more compassionate and committed people to come forward and give them the stability they deserve during these critical years.
We all know that teenagers can sometimes be a handful. For many young people in care it’s doubly so because, in addition to their hormones, they've likely experienced abuse, neglect and adverse childhood life experiences. They can be angry, frustrated, lonely or scared, and more than ever need stability and support to keep them on track, especially in these critical years as they reach adulthood and independence.
This makes it sound like really hard work. Strangely, however, we’ve learned that in many ways, fostering teenagers can be less challenging than fostering children. How come? Because they’re often in full-time education and have a higher degree of independence, so needless physical supervision, including many of the tasks involved in day-to-day living. Without all this to worry about, foster parents can get on with the important job of providing support and stability through life and schooling, helping them make the most out of their potential.
Role of foster parents of teenagers
The role’s pretty much the same as for all foster parents, but there’s perhaps a greater pressure to teach teenagers life-skills and prepare them for adulthood.
Their education is reaching a peak too, and you’ll have a big part to play in guiding them and advising them, making sure they get the most out of school.
Another important aspect is helping them deal with their feeling and emotions during the difficult teenage years, as well as making sure they keep in regular touch with their birth family (if appropriate).
In other words, you’re there to help them grow into confident and successful adults, and it’s this that makes the work particularly rewarding. In everything you do, you’ll be supported by our professional team.
Fostering pay for caring for teenagers
You’ll receive a generous weekly fostering payment for each young person in your care, together with other allowances for religious holidays and birthdays, all designed to reward your professionalism and commitment.
Plus, you'll have access to our rewards platform where you can find hundreds of discounts to some of your favourite shops, restaurants and family experiences.
Are you suited to fostering teenagers?
To foster teenagers, you need the same skills and qualities as all foster parents. Experience with teenagers - either personally or professionally - may be beneficial but not necessary, and tolerance, patience and understanding are all essential qualities.
Other types of fostering
Short-term
Short term fostering can range from a single night to 2 years, depending on the needs of the child and family.
Read More
Long-term
Long-term care provides children with the stability of a single foster family right through to adulthood.
Read More
Siblings
There's a real shortage of individuals who can provide siblings with a loving home so they can stay together.
Read More
Asylum-seeking children
There's an increasing number of children arriving in the UK in urgent need of foster care.
Read MorePlease make sure you read our terms and conditions because you're agreeing to them by submitting an enquiry. It's also worth reading our privacy policy and cookies policy so you understand how we collect and use your personal data.
Ready to start your fostering journey?
By phone
One of our team is available to talk to you over the phone to answer any of your fostering queries.
Enquire online
You can get in touch by filling out our online enquiry form with any queries that you may have.
Your local office
We have local teams covering most of England. Find your local office today.