A critical need for parent and child foster carers: What does a parent and child foster carer do? 

Hundreds of parent and child foster carers needed across the UK

Across the country, there is an urgent demand for more parent and child foster carers, with a staggering number of referrals being received each month. This insight gives an overview of parent and child fostering, what it involves, and why a parent might need a foster carer's guidance and care.

Referrals can come in for a wide range of ages & needs of mothers; some mothers will have experienced poor parenting themselves and don't know how to model good parenting; there may be issues with domestic violence, abusive relationships, family breakdown & no support to young mothers. We also witness circumstances that can involve drug & alcohol misuse, mental health issues, learning needs or having a disability.

To help myth bust, these referrals may be for young teenage mothers, older mothers, parents, and babies who have already been in a residential unit and need further assessment in the community before decisions are made. Foster homes can be needed for mum and baby, dad and baby, or even both parents with baby or young children, sometimes 2 or even 3 children, so not always a young mum and a newborn baby!

What does a parent and child foster carer do? 

• Teach and guide parents to care for their child
• Help parents build confidence and parenting skills
• Mentor parents to improve their parenting
• Provide a stable environment for the child
• Observe and share observations with social services

What are the benefits of parent and child fostering? 

• Breaks the cycle of neglect and potential future involvement with social services
• Improves the lives of both parent and baby
• Helps children experience good parenting and a stable environment

Circumstances where a parent and child foster home might be needed

• A young mother struggling to care for her newborn due to a lack of parenting knowledge
• A parent with a history of child neglect who is trying to regain custody of their child
• A family facing temporary housing instability where parenting skills could be impacted

Supporting vulnerable parents:

These fostering arrangements are crucial for parents who may struggle with parenting due to factors like young age, substance misuse, mental health issues, or lack of family support, allowing them to learn essential skills in a safe environment. 

Get in touch to discuss if parent and child fostering could be right for you - Contact Us | Nexus Fostering