Q1. I want to foster or adopt because I feel I have lots to give and would love to support a child.
Q2. I'd consider caring for a child who has some difficulties, such as behavioural problems or learning difficulties.
Q3. Everyone's different - I wouldn't expect a child to be like me, and I'd enjoy getting to know them and trying to understand their unique qualities.
Q4. I'm prepared to adapt my routine and commitments to make more time for a child.
Q5. I'm confident I could love a child who isn't biologically mine.
Q6. A child who's adopted or fostered needs to know about their background and the reasons they couldn't remain within their birth family.
Q7. Even when a child has been badly neglected or abused by a parent, they may still care for them and wonder how they are.
Q8. It's usual for young children to show distress through behaviour such as tantrums, resisting adult help and bed-wetting.
Q9. Some children need contact with their birth parent(s), but for others this might not be in their best interests.
Q10. Children's 'naughty' behaviour may be the result of them not being taught or encouraged by their parents to behave in a more acceptable way.
Q11. My approach to parenting is to be consistent and fair - children need to know what's expected of them.
Q12. I'm confident those close to me - including my partner, if I have one - would offer the practical and emotional support I might need when caring for a child.
Q13. I'm happy with many aspects of my life and I'm not looking to adopt or foster to make me feel better about myself.
Q14. I find it easy to share my feelings and I encourage those close to me to do the same.
Q15. I'm fairly tolerant about a range of children's behaviours.
Q16. It might take months - even years - for an abused child to develop trust in a carer.
Q17. I stick at things, even when the going gets tough.
Q18. I can put myself in someone else's shoes and try to understand things from their point of view.
Q19. Generally, I'm a flexible person who can adapt my expectations, cope with change and make the best of things.
Q20. The experience of having your own child might help you when fostering or adopting, but there are likely to be important differences between looking after your own child and understanding a child who has been in care.
Q21. If a person has personally experienced abuse, neglect or separation as a child or young person, this may better equip them to foster or adopt - provided they've received the support they need to deal with any issues arising from their past.
Q22. I'd encourage a child to do well at school, but it wouldn't distress me if they were a slow learner.
Q23. I like to find ways of overcoming difficulties and am happy to ask for help and advice if necessary.
