Fostering teenagers - care for a challenge?

We urgently need more foster carers who can look after teenagers.

In 2005 46% of the children being looked after in Plymouth were teenagers. However, only 29% of our foster carers are able to care for this age group.

What problems might the teenagers I foster have?

Being a teenager is a difficult time for anyone, and teenagers in foster care often come with their own particular challenges.

Some find themselves in trouble and some will have lived through very unhappy experiences at home. They can be difficult to engage with and their backgrounds may make them vulnerable to drug use or criminal behaviour. You’ll need to cope with mood swings and angry outbursts and have to negotiate rules and boundaries. You need to be patient and resilient to get past their tough exterior.

What skills do I need?

You do not need any special skills or professional qualifications and people from all lifestyles and backgrounds will be considered. However, you will ideally have some experience of adolescents, whether this is through your work or from bringing up your own children.

What are the rewards for caring for teenagers?

Although fostering teenagers has its own unique challenges, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Knowing you have helped a teenager overcome their problems and return to their family, or find their feet and make their way in the world, is something you will never forget.

Become a foster carer - fill in our online enquiry form