Released On 29th Jun 2017

“What makes a good Foster Carer?” A video by children in care

How did you feel when you first came into care? What do you think about your Foster Carer? What do you think makes a good Foster Carer?

These are the big questions answered by children in care in this video:

Five 11 to 21 year-olds from Somerset’s in Care and Leaving Care Councils recorded their touching, insightful and personal interviews. Their thoughts have been stitched together and set to speedy footage of sketched cartoons depicting children and Foster Carers – necessary to protect their identities.

Young people hope to inspire viewers to consider becoming one of Somerset’s much-needed Foster Carers.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “This video shoots straight to the heart with its honesty and insight. It is both refreshing and thought-provoking to hear these children articulate their experiences of being in Foster Care, from their fears when they first came into care, to settling into their new homes, and getting to know, and grow attached to, their Foster Carers.

“As we continue searching for more Somerset people to respond to our children’s need for enthusiastic individuals to foster, there can be little more powerful than hearing from the children themselves.”

The children’s views on ‘what makes a good foster carer?’ were used to develop Somerset County Council’s ‘Top Ten’ qualities people need to be fantastic carers. These include:

1. Flexible
2. Patient
3. Kind
4. Consistent
5. Trustworthy
6. Honest
7. Good listener
8. Understanding
9. Available
10. Sense of humour

If you want to find out more about fostering, please phone our friendly, professional team on 0800 587 9900. Read about Fostering in Somerset schemes, case studies, upcoming information events here and download an information pack. You can also ‘like’ the Fostering in Somerset Facebook page or follow @fostersomerset on Twitter.