Fosterline Manager Steve Stockley shares his response to this question that Fosterline Advisors get asked at this time each year.
We recognise that these enquiries are generally for altruistic concern for another vulnerable child or young person. While this is meant with the right sentiment, it is naïve to expect to provide care just for the festive period only to return them to the same vulnerable position.
I would encourage these same people to consider being assessed as a foster carer or respite carer. If this is not possible then maybe they can help maintain our advice and support to existing and prospective foster carers by making a donation and ultimately promoting the welfare of children and young people in care.
To harness this festive interest in fostering and to help callers that have this instinct to look into taking the next step to becoming a foster carer, we have produced an advent calendar to reveal each day a different reason to foster; not just for Christmas but all year round.
So if you are thinking of fostering, please open our advent calendar each day (from 1st December to 25th December) where we will share with you some of the reasons to become a foster carer. As you open each calendar door, we hope that you are one step closer to opening your home and your heart to a child in need.
This time next year you could be a looking forward to Christmas with your foster children!
For information and advice about becoming a foster carer call one of our advisors in confidence weekdays, 9.00am to 5.00pm on 0800 040 7675.
If you would like to make a donation to support our free service to current and prospective foster carers, click here, any amount would be really appreciated.
If you are already a foster carer, please share our daily advent calendar posts via your social media channels to encourage other people to foster.
Let the countdown begin!