Parent and child foster carers
Parent and child fostering is a type of provision where parents can be supported alongside their children within a foster family.
This usually involves placing a baby or child, along with either one or both parents, in a foster home where they can learn to cope with parenthood in safe and secure environment. In many cases the parent has become a parent at a very young age and, for one reason or another, cannot remain in their own homes.
What are the benefits of parent and child fostering?
Parent and child fostering brings with it benefits for both the child and parents involved.
Firstly, the child or infant benefits from being in a stable family environment with consistent care givers and usually the parent gains invaluable emotional support as well as learning the skills required for parenthood, such as how to hold or feed a baby.
It is also an opportunity to monitor situations where a concern about parenting has been identified.
Young parents may also carry on with their studies and complete schooling with the extra support provided.
What is required of a foster carer?
The fostering assessment and matching process are thorough and will always aim to place a parent and child in the best possible foster family.
To be an effective foster carer in a parent and child fostering home, there are numerous qualities and skills a person needs. These include:
- The ability to treat new parents with sensitivity.
- Assertiveness and the confidence to lead by example.
- Observational skills and the willingness to observe and record how the parent looks after the child, whilst being unobtrusive.
- Patience and encouragement when passing on advice and parenting skills.
Foster carers stay in close communication with the supervising social worker and are expected to contribute to reviews and meetings to report on the progress of the placement. By providing a consistent support network the aim is that the child and parent are given the best possible chance to grow and develop in a nurturing environment.
If you have the capacity to support a family in need, please apply here.