Fostering with birth children refers to a situation where a family fosters children while also having birth children of their own, often living at home. This approach allows birth children to grow up alongside foster children, providing a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, learning, and empathy. It can create a supportive environment where all children benefit from shared experiences and develop an understanding and compassion for one another.
At Assured Fostering, we are fortunate to have the assistance of a birth child living in a foster family to support us with our website, particularly the area relating to fostering with birth children. Her name is Saffron, she is 14 years old and has lived in a fostering family most of her life.
Here what Saffron has to say.
Hi, my name is Saffron and I am a child in a house where my parents foster children and they become a part of our family. I am 14 years old. Being in a house with children my parents foster is a lovely experience because I get to know them properly and they become a part of my family, even when they have moved on. Hearing how they use to be treated makes me sad but I’m glad they get to come and live in a loving house with my family where they are safe and happy. It can be stressful sometimes with younger children, but it makes it worth it knowing they now have a loving home. I don’t mind them living in my house because it’s just like having siblings and I don’t look at them any other way. I have a 16-year-old foster sister who’s lived here for 11 years, she’s been in my life forever which I’m grateful for because if I didn’t have her, I think I might be lonely. We are great friends but we do fall out sometimes. I am happy to answer any questions you may have about being a birth child in a fostering family, if I can. In the meantime, here are some popular Q and A’s; Thank you for your time.
Q: How long will foster children stay with us?
A: The duration varies. Some may stay briefly, while others might live with us for a longer period. It depends on their situation and the plans made by social workers and the court.
Q: Will foster children become a part of our family permanently?
A: Sometimes, children in foster care might become a part of our family through long term or permeance plans or other legal arrangements if their birth family cannot care for them. However, it’s not guaranteed and depends on various factors.
Q: How will having foster children affect our family life?
A: It might bring changes and challenges as you adjust to having more members in the household. It’s an opportunity to learn, share, and support others while showing empathy and kindness. This is not always easy but with support from your Supervising Social Worker you can work through most issues.
Q: What can I do to help foster children feel welcome and comfortable?
A: Being friendly, patient, and understanding can make a big difference. Including them in activities, be interested in what they like/dislike, respecting their feelings, and being supportive can help them feel accepted and cared for.
Q: Can I talk to someone if I have concerns or questions about our foster children?
A: Absolutely! You can always talk to your parents or other family members, your Supervising Social Worker, the child’s social workers, or other trusted adults, such as your teacher, if you have any questions, worries, or need support about fostering.
Q: What does it mean to have foster siblings?
A: Foster siblings are children who temporarily live with your family because they can’t stay with their birth family. You help take care of them until they can return home or find a permanent placement.
Q: How can I explain foster care to my friends?
A: You can share that you are helping children who need a safe and caring place to stay because their families are facing difficulties. It’s important though to be respectful and understanding when talking about foster siblings and not to share personal information about them.
Ask Saffron a question!