Young People Who Foster
Children of foster carers share their parents, their space, toys and lives with the fostered children they welcome into their homes. Being part of a family who fosters, you make a really big contribution to the success of fostering in East Sussex.
The positive impact and happy memories they make with fostered young people last forever.
We understand that this role isn't always easy, but the patience and kindness they show to those who come to your homes at a very difficult time in their lives, is immeasurable.
They help to make them comfortable, feel safe and when they're ready, they begin to trust your family.
Young People Who Foster group (YPWF)
We appreciate that sometimes children like to meet up with other young people who foster - so we created a group for this! It's been running for 10 years so it's pretty established. We have a great team of experienced fostering staff who love running the events and fun activity days out, and everyone 'gets' what it's like to live in a family that fosters.
Children of foster carers, grandchildren, and other young people who spend time in the household with fostered children are able to attend the group and they can pick which events to come along to, depending on what they enjoy. There are loads to choose from!
Wrap-around care for the whole family
Our foster carers are incredibly proud of the support their children show others and their understanding that not all families look like theirs. Sometimes their children forgo an outing with their mates to watch a foster child's first footie game, they might get their hair pulled or a toy broken, which could happen amongst siblings in any family.
However, in a fostering household, nobody takes for granted the extra patience, consideration and empathy their own children develop. They become role models like their parents, making good choices, showing positivity and sharing opportunities for foster children to connect with them.
All fostering families have their own dedicated social worker. There are frequent training and wellbeing sessions on offer and experienced foster carer 'buddies' we link you with too. Advice and support is always available.
What do the YPWF do?
- activity days (rock-climbing, archery, den-making, outdoor crafts, zip lines and more)
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pottery making classes and ten pin bowling
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training sessions to understand behaviours and coping strategies
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wellbeing classes to make sure we're all thinking about ourselves as well as the children being looked after
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...and generally having fun, belonging to a group of other young people who really 'get it'.
Click to watch our YPWF video clips below
How did your family start fostering?
Each and every foster carer is unique.
Click above to hear how some of our families talked about fostering with their children.
Did you have any worries when your parents wanted to become foster carers?
It's only natural to have concerns at the outset of something new.
Click above to hear what our YPWF had to say...
What is fostering like?
Honest answers from the children in fostering households.
Click above to hear about their experiences.
Has fostering changed you?
There are real benefits of being in a fostering family. Skills like patience, maturity and understanding develop a sense of pride in our foster carers' children. They know what they do is really important.
How do you make a child feel welcome?
Kids keep it natural and adapt to the needs of a new child in their home. Our foster carers are so grateful and proud of their own children for the patience and kindness they show.
What's it like when a child moves on?
Special bonds are made and we understand it's often upsetting when a child moves on. But there is a heart-warming acknowledgement of the positive relationships, memories and help young people share with the children we look after. Those feelings and memories stay with everyone involved.
What memories have you made?
We have so many wonderful stories from our foster carers and their children.
Click above to hear a few...
What would you say to somebody considering becoming a foster carer?
"Do it!"
Click above and listen to some reasons why...
- What children who foster tell us
This page will be regularly updated with news and events so please do keep checking to see what our YPWF have been up to and head to the links to get in touch 😊
We have some fostering stories here too:
- Alia and Mya's story: You want to foster in East Sussex, but what will your own kids think?
- George's story: A day out in our world