Fostering while working - Debi's blog

With a grown-up son living and working away in London, Debi decided to become a foster carer with Essex County Council. At the moment, Debi is working full-time in an education role, while also supporting young people as a foster carer. Debi shares her experiences of balancing her home and work responsibilities.  

“I have a full-time job in education, being able to work from home most of the time gives me great flexibility,” explains Debi “I have a very supportive line manager too.”  

Debi’s empathy comes across loud and clear. Often people assume teenagers in care are ‘too tricky’, but Debi does not shy away and mainly fosters teenagers.  

“Of course, sometimes it can be challenging and frustrating for me,” but, then she remembers “But that may be nothing compared to what the young person is experiencing. 

“When I am fostering, the young person becomes part of our family. This is important as it helps them feel safe and included, which is something they may not have experienced before.”  

All looked after children, regardless of their age, need support with overcoming the disruption they are facing. To help with this, Essex County Council promote a therapeutic fostering approach.  

A premium training and support package is available for all carers, you are not expected to be an expert instantly. Our training is there to help you develop your skills to be the best foster carer you can.  

Fostering is an incredibly rewarding role, and Debi clearly loves what she does.  

“I feel a great deal of satisfaction and achievement being able to make a positive contribution to a young person’s life, be it little or big, both now and in their future.” 

Patience is a key part of being a foster carer and Debi is very giving. “It’s satisfying to be able to provide young people with the love and time that they need to find their place in life.”  

Debi is part of an Oasis support group, which brings together carers in their communities.  

Oasis is a group that offers a range of benefits, including providing foster carers with support, respite and advice from an experienced carer and mentor. 

Debi is part of her local Oasis network. “I’m part of an Oasis group where I can spend time with other foster carers and their foster children. This helps provide positive experiences for my foster child too.” 

Fostering is surprisingly flexible – Debi has continued to work while being a foster carer.  

With a strong passion for fostering, a flexible workplace and supportive line manager, Debi has been able to continue her full-time role while caring for young people. 

There are several types of foster care available, for example, you can offer respite foster over just one weekend a month.  

Also, Essex County Council are encouraging local businesses and organisations to become fostering friendly.  

After becoming a Fostering Friendly employer, Essex County Council are encouraging others to join us. This means organisations will have HR policies in place to offer foster carers additional time off for meetings and training.  

Plus, we want all line managers to understand how to support and celebrate foster carers in their teams. You can check if your organisation is fostering friendly via the Fostering Network.  

Finally - what would Debi say to anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer? 

“Seeing my foster child make progress, and feel safe and secure in their home, is the most rewarding part of my role.”  

Chat to our enquiry team, Lesley and Karen 

Being a foster carer is an incredibly fulfilling role, and Debi is a true advocate. There are several types of foster care, and our enquiry team will help you find a path that best suits you and your family. 

Get in touch today.