A room to call their own

Anyone thinking about fostering will have seen that a key requirement is to have a spare room, but is this really necessary? Yes, it absolutely is.

Foster children have often experienced trauma in their lives.

Having a safe space that they can call their own is essential. They need a dedicated place where they can play, a place to be calm or to be creative without distraction.

Going to live in a new home with a new family can be extremely overwhelming. Having a place where they feel secure and can go to if they want to be on their own, or are feeling anxious, is vital.

Even having somewhere to go to relax, chill-out and listen to music can be beneficial and help with a young person's well-being.

Foster children often have never had a place they can call their own.

Being able to choose the position of their furniture, adding accessories or putting posters on their walls all help to give them a sense and feeling of belonging.

This makes them feel welcome and a part of the family, which, in turn, helps them settle in much better.

Children who are fostered enjoy having some privacy and it’s important for them to have a safe space, with their foster carers being close at hand to offer support if needed.

A young person having their own room can help them to adjust and settle in with their new family life.

There are some situations where siblings can share a room.

The bedroom must be big enough to give both children their own space and privacy and they must each have their own single bed.

The local authority and the fostering agency will make the decision if they think it is appropriate, on an individual basis. Find out more about fostering siblings.