On Parents Mental Health Day, we would like to raise awareness about the importance of good mental health. Talking openly about your mental health for foster carers should be standard and it should certainly not be a taboo subject. 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience mental health issues each year according to the NHS and foster carers are no different.

In fact, by nature of what they do, foster carers are more exposed to more risk factors that contribute to mental health issues. This can include being exposed repeatedly to another’s subconscious trauma, disturbing stories and disclosures of traumatic events, including cruelty, abandonment, abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, substance abuse, domestic violence, trafficking and more.

The health and wellbeing of foster carers plays an integral role in carers’ ability to effectively look after children. However, many foster carers are reluctant to discuss or report any mental health issues due to fear of losing the children in their care or their registration. Unfortunately, this means that symptoms are often ignored which can lead to more emotional and physical problems, burnout and can impact on placement stability and stable placements are key to good outcomes for fostered children.

Foster carers invest a significant amount of time and effort in safeguarding the mental well-being and happiness of the children in their care, at Channels & Choices we place emphasis on providing a high level of therapeutic support to help them navigate the challenges involved in fostering and to also ensure their own well-being.

Being a foster carer can be immensely fulfilling, it involves nurturing a child’s healing and growth, witnessing them thrive and reach their potential. However, fostering extends beyond providing a home; it involves numerous meetings, appointments, and sometimes interactions with the children’s birth families, all of which can be demanding and occasionally emotionally challenging. The fostering journey is one that is not always straightforward, making it necessary for foster carers to prioritise their mental health alongside that of the children they care for.

At Channels & Choices, we pride ourselves on our unparalleled therapeutic support – as well as offering a 24/7 fostering support service, you also have access to our inhouse therapy team, as well as specialist support groups and locality groups for like-minded foster carers.

Like any “job,” the role of a foster carer has its challenges, and it is perfectly acceptable to seek help and support. You can’t effectively care for others if you’re running on empty, it is important to prioritise your well-being as a foster carer in order to provide the best possible care for the children who depend on you.

To find out more about the journey to becoming a foster carer why not download one of our brochures here