Hello, I am in a similar situation I'm also a social worker in foster care, live alone and I became licensed last month. I've had a placement since the beginning of May. My thoughts so far , It's been fun and rewarding sharing my space for the first time, I realize I need to be mindful of self care, we give energy all day to others then come home and have to be on. Letting go has been a big conversation by many how will you let them go, I think having an insider perspective and reality will prepare me, I hope. Of course with older children the challenges will be different I have a toddler. The advice I've given myself is to stay present, try to give what I can, the same as with my work role.

I just wanted to say hello and welcome. I too am new to this so I'm sorry, I don't have much advise yet. I am trying to foster my 6 month old niece. I wish you the best!

Thank you... I have finished my classes and my paper work is in. I'm waiting on my home study.

Hi. If I may I would like to give my thoughts on this. I am/was an older child adoption. I was 16 when my adoption was final. I learned so many things from my mom and how to raise a teenager from what she did to me and how she has done the same thing to my younger brothers.
There was never a moment that I didn't know she loved me. Even those times when I probably didn't deserve her love she was able to get past the bad and let me know she still cared. She challenged me in ways no one else had ever done. It would have been easy for her to just let me keep my average grades in classes, but she knew I was better than that. She also seldom spoiled me. She let me know this wasn't a free ride but one I had to 'earn' in the way of household chores.
I'm not sure how old your foster children will be, but kids of any age just need to be loved and respected and challenged to use the talents they have. Just some thoughts from a former foster kid. Blessings to you for helping those children.

That's my plan.