Parent and child fostering is a unique type of foster care placement that can have a hugely positive impact on the lives of the people you’re supporting.
WHAT IS PARENT AND CHILD FOSTERING?
Parent and child foster carers provide a loving environment for a new parent and their baby. As well as helping new mums and dads develop the skills they need to look after their child, you’ll share your knowledge and experience to help parents be positive role models.
This type of foster placement is usually short term, around 3 months maximum. Its purpose is to help make sure that parents and children can stay together. There might be concerns about the parent’s safety or their ability to look after a child. In some cases, the new parent may have been in care themselves and may need some extra help to
DO I NEED SPECIAL SKILLS?
You don’t need to have any specific skills to be a parent and child foster carer, but a good sense of humour and the ability to remain cool under pressure are a good start. You’ll have had experience in caring for babies, and you’ll be comfortable sharing your experience and teaching new parents.
On a practical level, you’ll need to have a spare bedroom that is large enough to house the parent and their baby, too.
If you decide that this type of fostering is for you, you’ll be given full training before you start. You’ll also have continuous support from social workers and other professionals working with the new parent. You’ll meet with your social worker regularly to discuss progress and any concerns. In addition, there are many networks of foster carers up and down the country who offer support and meet ups with other careers in the same boat.
Foster care agencies such as Ascent will provide additional training and ongoing courses to help you increase your skills and knowledge.
HOW TO FIND PARENT AND CHILD OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR AREA
The first step in becoming a parent and child foster carer is to speak to your local fostering agency. They’ll be able to give you a lot more information and answer any questions you have.
Ascent Fostering serves many communities in south London, including Croydon, Lewisham, and Lambeth. You can phone us on 0203 757 0070 to talk to one of our team, or drop us an email at hello@ascentfostering.com. We’ll be happy to talk you through the fostering process and to answer any questions you might have.
Reaching out to local parent and child fostering groups is another good way to learn more about the journey to foster caring, find opportunities in your area and get started on this incredibly rewarding journey.