What fostering teenagers is like, and what skills and qualities you'll need to be a good foster carer for them.
Half of the young people who come into care are over 11 years old. Foster carers will need to help them develop positive identity and self-esteem and, for teenagers, prepare them to be independent.
There are sometimes misconceptions about teenagers in care which can make it harder to find the caring family home they need. Fostered teenagers are just like any other teenager. They might try to push boundaries and make some mistakes, just like many of us did in the past. But caring for a teenager can be rewarding and fun.
As a foster carer, you could offer a teenager support that makes a real impact, being there for them, listening and helping them find solutions and make good choices. You'll play a key role in developing their independence and confidence for the future.
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like an informal chat, contact our fostering team.
Call:
0117 353 4200
Email:
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What our Bristol carers say about fostering teenagers
"Naturally, you will have your ups and downs but what matters more is the rewards this experience brings you. We have learnt a great deal about ourselves - how to best respond to different situations and, over time, how to guide someone else through life so they can do well."
"We haven't got children of our own and we were worried that we would find it difficult to foster teenagers. The reality was very different – we were all teenagers once so, we could relate to some of their behaviours and situations they were experiencing."
