Nearly three-quarters of Brits (73%) admit that their understanding and assumptions about foster parenting have come from TV reveals – together with fictional programmes like Tracy Beaker.
What is being dubbed because the “Tracy Beaker effect” has result in misconceptions about how the method really works, and has even induced some individuals to worry the system altogether.
Some of the highest issues that almost half of Brits (49%) reckon would go towards them in the case of fostering embrace figuring out as LGBTQ+, disabled, being semi-skilled or unskilled, or being over the age of 55.
In reality, 35% fear they’re too previous to provide fostering a go – as 72% really feel they’ve “aged out” by the age of 55.
The survey, of two,005 adults, additionally discovered that nearly a fifth (18%) imagine being single would stand of their method – whereas others really feel the identical about coming from an ethnic minority background, or not incomes sufficient cash.
However, the National Fostering Group has teamed up with British artist, Rankin, to disclose the “Faces of Fostering” – and spotlight the range that exists amongst foster dad and mom.
(Image: Rankin/National Fostering Group)
The world famend photographer, who has captured the likes of Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner, and the late Queen, has now snapped 17 on a regular basis foster dad and mom, in a bid to name on extra individuals to return ahead and take a look at it themselves. It comes because the analysis discovered 44% of these polled mentioned they thought they’d not be eligible to foster.
Rankin mentioned: “This photo shoot was a celebration of diversity, compassion, and the extraordinary individuals who open their hearts to foster care. It was a joy to capture the essence of people from all walks of life, each sharing a common desire to make a difference in a child’s life.”
Rankin’s pictures embrace a portrait of Carole and John McIntyre, each aged 73, who’ve been fostering for the final 13 years. In that point, the pair have offered take care of greater than 20 youngsters, from a spread of various backgrounds and of varied ages.
They mentioned: “People often assume that, because of our age, we’d be too old to look after children and foster. But on the contrary, we’ve found that fostering has given us a new sense of purpose, and has enriched our post-retirement lives.”
Steve Christie, CEO of National Fostering Group, added: “What these striking images show is that there’s no such thing as a typical foster carer. Fostering really is for everyone, regardless of background, relationship status, or circumstance.
“At a time when nearly 11,000 foster carers are urgently needed, it’s more important than ever that anyone and everyone who thinks they might like to foster comes forward.”
TOP MISCONCEPTIONS STOPPING PEOPLE FROM LOOKING INTO FOSTERING:
- Believing they’re too previous
- Not incomes sufficient cash
- Having a incapacity
- Believing they’re too younger
- Fear of the system
- Being single
- Being LGBTQ+
- Coming from an ethnic minority background