Meet Cherrylen: Fostering as a single parent

In the early 2000s, Cherrylen decided to leave a career in education to become a foster carer with Lewisham. “Fostering for me was a way to have more time for myself and be remunerated. As an educator, I had the experience with young people that would give me a good footing as a foster carer. Fostering gave me the opportunity to build on that skill set”.

After fostering for nearly two decades as a single carer, Cherrylen has plenty of advice for prospective single carers.

“I came into fostering having been a single mother to two of my biological children. I can tell you that fostering as a single carer is not the same as being a single parent. As a foster carer you are a professional carer. There are more expectations of you, but there is also more help. You are not the only one who plays the role of a carer to a young person. The fostering service does as well.

“You are not working in isolation. You are part of a community. You need to know where and who your resources are. Get support from the fostering service, other foster carers, and respite care.”

Cherrylen adds that the fostering service is not the only place signal carers can find support. “Consider who is in your own personal support network. Would your mother want to be a secondary carer? A friend? A neighbour? Approach these people and ask them if they would be willing to be a back-up carer”.

Cherrylen stresses that foster carers, particularly those who are single, need to work to capacity. “Know your routine and your boundaries. I speak with my social worker and am clear when I can and cannot take on more placements. I foster teenagers and I let them know my expectations too. Having open communication allows me to avoid burnout and build a connection with young people”.

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Lewisham Council offers all foster carers competitive allowances, support and training. There are a range of different fostering options from short-term, emergency placements to long-term, permanent placements, and social workers speak with potential carers to see what works for their lives and families.

Most importantly, Lewisham foster carers are part of a community made up of truly passionate, caring and experienced social workers and carers who are making a real difference in their local community.

If you think you could make a difference in a child’s life contact Lewisham Council for an informal discussion on 0800 015 0129 or email fosteringrecruitment@lewisham.gov.uk.

Find out more about fostering with Lewisham Council.