Fostering Teens: Breaking the Stereotypes
Teenagers and young people also need safe, stable and caring foster homes, not just younger children. Fostering a teenager can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
There are many misconceptions about teenagers in care, let’s take a look together beyond the stereotypes.
“Teenagers don’t want or need foster carers.”
All young people need support and guidance from adults who care. Teenagers are becoming more independent, but they still require encouragement, stability and boundaries to enable them to grow and make positive decisions about their future.
Having a dependable adult who believes in them is particularly important during formative teenage years.
“Teenagers are difficult to care for.”
Children of any age come with their own set of circumstances, experiences, personalities, strengths, needs and challenges.
A young person coming into foster care may have experienced difficulties and significant changes to their lives. Their behaviour is often a way of communicating feelings that they don’t know how to express.
At Quality Fostering we provide training on trauma informed approaches, to enable our carers to better understand the children in their care and figure out what lies behind the behaviour.
“Teenagers are set in their ways.”
Adolescence is a time of huge growth and development. Young people are working out who they are, what they want, what they like and what they don’t. With the right support, teenagers can develop new skills, build confidence and work positively towards independence.
“You can’t make a difference.”
You absolutely can.
To have someone who shows up and cares for you can be powerful and meaningful.
Helping teenagers prepare for exams, encouraging them to try something new, supporting hobbies, teaching practical life skills and being available when they need someone to talk to is hugely impactful.
Supporting Independence
One of the unique aspects of fostering teenagers is helping them to develop the necessary skills for adulthood.
Including things like:
- Cooking,
- Managing finances,
- Tidying and cleaning,
- Making appointments,
- Education, training or employment,
- Building healthy relationships,
- Learning from mistakes.
It’s Important to Have Boundaries
Helping young people on their way to independence does not mean there are no rules.
Clear, consistent boundaries and expectations are a necessary part of adolescence; they help teenagers understand what is expected of them and provide a sense of security.
As foster carers, you must try to find the balance between providing space for independence whilst also giving appropriate support and guidance.
The Rewards of Fostering a Teenager
Just as with any child, fostering a teenager can be incredibly rewarding.
You may get to see a young person grow in confidence and self-esteem, achieve something they’ve worked towards, develop new skills and take key steps towards independence.
Your role is to help prepare them for adulthood while making sure they know someone is in their corner.
If you’re considering becoming a foster carer, don’t let the myths put you off. We are always here to provide support, training, and a commitment to helping you on your journey. You could provide a young person with incredible foundations for a positive future.
Get in touch with us today if you have any inquiries.
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