What do you know about Foster Caring (in the UK)

[Strict Machine]

I’ve really been considering that in the future I would like to be a foster carer. My dad used to be a carer and my parents have sometimes suggested I would be good at providing care too. The thing is, I know very little about foster care (and I’ve never actually known an adult (not properly) who was a foster carer, although I've had friends in care), so I thought I’d ask for a little info from anyone who might know more than me.

I think I would be good at caring/enjoy it for the following reasons:
I think I am an understanding, empathising sort of person.
I like looking after people (I have a brilliant relationship with my 11 year old sister – I am 19).
I love children.
I like to be depended on/I enjoy helping people when I am able to.
I want to give something back/do something good.
I have experience of a tough childhood, so when I’m older, I might be a good example or role model to other children.

Those may not be the right reasons to even be a foster carer, I’m not really sure.
So if anyone wants to reply to this thread – to verify - I am interested in general in any information about fostering, but I also have loads of questions;

Have you been fostered – what is/was it like?
Do your parents foster children now – how has that affected you?
Do you foster yourself – if so any info you can give me would be appreciated.
I suffer from depression and have psychotic episodes (that just sounds great doesnt it!) – will I be allowed to foster care when I am well again, or does having a past of mental illness like that mean I won’t be allowed?
I am currently unemployed – will that be a black mark against my name when the time comes that I am well and if I want to foster?
When you start as a foster carer do you get paid to do the training by the agencies or do you have to pay that yourself?

Thanks for reading. Any feedback would be much appreciated - thanks.

[Shenanigans]

I think the best person to answer these questions would be someone in the foster care system, a social worker or family liason officer. I don't know about where you live, but here it's pretty easy to go into the social work department and ask any questions you like. If I were you that's where I would go for my answers, also searching the local UK foster care websites and learning as much as you can about it.
It sounds like you'd make a great foster parent and it's nice to see someone with such a kindness in their heart.
Hope that helped abit, sorry if it didn't though.
Sarah
xx

[charcoal feathers]

I don't know much about it, although, i too would like to foster one day, like in a good 10/15years.
maybe have a look on here that may be a bit of help?

[Strict Machine]

Thank you for the kind comments and advice. I spent about 2 hours earlier reading up on fostering.org earlier today. I tried my county's website but their information on the subject is quite limited. Maybe the job centre should be my next port of call - but untill I'm a bit better I think. Thanks for the advice though :)

[FallingStar]

It f-ed up my childhood and I seriously resent my parents for ever fostering.
Sorry but I thought I'd be honest.

[Stellata]

My mum's friend - old school friend of hers - fostered children when I was growing up. She also had 3 children of her own. She adopted one of the children she fostered. She was a bit... strict and abrupt, and did things that would be illegal now. But the kids did well with her.

[Strict Machine]

Thank you falling star, I wanted honesty. I think my plans would be to foster first before having children of my own so as not to disrupt my children's childhoods.
3 children and fostering? Must have got a bit cramped in her house.
Thanks for the feed back ppl, I really appreciate it.