What is foster care?
We are making a positive and lasting difference to children, young people and their families.
What is foster care?
Foster care is when a child or young person is taken into care, they need a safe and supportive place to stay. Foster care is often the preferred choice for such children and young people. Foster Care means a child lives with a different family who aims to provide them with the care and support by offering a safe, secure and nurturing home.
There are many foster care placement types. Fostering can be short-term, ranging from a few days to a few months, or it can be longer, from months to several years, or even become a permanent arrangement. While the initial goal is often for the foster child to return home, some children will need care until they turn 18 years or beyond.
Why do children need fostering?
Children and young people need fostering for all kinds of reasons. Often, it’s because of abuse or neglect. Sometimes, it’s for multiple reasons such as family domestic violence, addictions, or mental ill-health, all of which impact on a family’s capacity to care for their child safely.
If you choose to become a foster carer, you will need to help the child you care for overcome difficulties from their past. We believe in a team approach to fostering, so you will never feel alone. We work with all our foster carers and local departments to provide care, training and an allowance in order to make a real difference. Working with foster carers from diverse backgrounds also helps us meet the individual needs of these children.
How will fostering affect my family?
If you have children, they will play an important role in helping a foster child feel part of your family. It is normal for them to feel a range of emotions about gaining a foster sibling.
We know fostering is a big decision that comes with big changes to your family, which is why we offer your whole family support at every step of your journey.
