Many parents look forward to the peace and quiet of an empty nest. The job of raising children is done, and now you can spend time doing what you want to do.

But a significant number of parents are taking the opportunity to change their lives and give a good home to less fortunate children and young people.

Help wanted
According to the Fostering Network, there are around 43,000 foster families in the UK, looking after almost 50,000 children. And Saga estimates that 25% of foster carers are over the age of 50, using their skills and parenting experience to help others.

However, the statistics suggest that there is still a shortage of willing foster carers. The Fostering Network estimates that a further 10,000 foster carers are currently needed across the UK.

Wisdom required
And you're never too old! In fact, maturity and past experience of being a parent are distinct advantages when it comes to fostering, or even adoption.

The British Association for Adoption and Fostering says: 'There are no upper age limits for fostering, but fostering agencies expect people to be mature enough to work with the complex problems that children needing fostering are likely to have, and fit enough to perform this very demanding task.'

Expenses covered
Looking after other people's children needn't be too much of a financial strain either. In 2006, the Government published national minimum allowance rates for foster carers for the first time. This has helped to ensure that no foster carer is ever out of pocket as a direct result of the cost of looking after children placed with them.

Since April 2007, the national minimum allowance for a baby has been between £100 and £116 per week, rising to between £151 and £176 per week for an older teenager. Many foster agencies actually pay above this rate.

Foster carers also qualify for a reduction in the number of years in work they need to accumulate to qualify for the state pension. Anyone who takes on the role of a foster carer is entitled to an income tax exemption too, up to a certain threshold.

Options to suit you
There are many different types of foster care offered, depending on the needs of the child and their family. These range from emergency and short-term care for a few days, to long-term placements and specialist care for children with disabilities or behavioural problems. Adoption is also an opportunity available to people who want to continue parenting into their 50s or 60s.

Taking on the challenge of fostering or adoption could be a satisfying achievement, providing you with a new life direction. Why not explore the idea further by speaking to one of the many specialist organisations and support groups out there?

Have you got a story to tell? Or any comments or questions about this article? If so, contact us today!

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