One of the most common questions that people considering becoming a foster carer ask is, whether they need a spare room to foster. The simple answer is, yes, you do. In addition to this being a requirement that all foster care agencies have for foster care, there are additional reasons why it is important.
Giving Foster Children a Safe Space
Everyone needs space to decompress after a long day. We need space as adults, but we sometimes forget that children also need such space. A safe and secure bedroom will be their space to relax, reflex, play and process their feelings, the latter being especially important for foster children who have been through trauma. The bedroom also becomes a space to be safe on their own, knowing that their foster carers are close and thus available to provide emotional and physical support.
Additionally, giving foster children their own space within the home makes them feel they are part of the family, which results in better outcomes for everyone involved.
It Makes it Easier to Provide a Personalised Space
Everyone wants to feel at home, whether in the larger house or their personal space. A spare bedroom for foster children allows carers who want to start fostering in Leicester to add a child’s favourite items and possessions that might be their only connection to their birth family. It also allows foster carers to paint and personalise it to give foster children a sense of belonging.
Foster carers are also encouraged to let foster children personalise their rooms. They can add the items they like, such as posters, shelves with personal items, and personalised bedsheets so they feel the space belongs to them.
A Space That Allows Independence and Autonomy
An extra room is also important as children grow into teenagers. These are the years when they start requiring their independence and personal space, even if they may not come out and say it outright. Having such a space available, whether you are fostering short-term or long-term, helps them get used to it so they know they have a space of their own.
It Allows Foster Families to Set Boundaries
Boundaries and routines are especially important for foster children who need structure. A spare bedroom allows foster carers to set boundaries, such as the rooms their foster child can access, which is a great way of ensuring privacy for everyone. It also helps them create routines like bedtimes with minimal disruption to other children as the foster children adjust to life with their foster family.
Talking to a Foster Care Agency About the Bedroom
The space should accommodate a bed, desk and storage for different items such as clothes. If you are worried the space might be too small, talk to a foster care agency to discuss the space.
Everyone deserves a safe, secure and welcoming home, including foster children. They also deserve a space they can call their own, which is why foster care agencies require that you have a spare bedroom for when you become a foster carer.
Luciana joined our team as a mum blogger in 2020. A dedicated mum to a lively daughter and a dog, Luna, Luciana brings authenticity and passion to every post. Her expertise in parenting and lifestyle topics offers practical, relatable advice for real-life situations.