Care and support

Fostering

Ordinary people doing something extraordinary

Foster carers may be ordinary people but they are doing something that makes them extraordinary. Every day they are helping children and young people turn their lives around.

There are a number of different reasons why children come into foster care. It could be a temporary solution while a family crisis is sorted out or their parents are finding it difficult to cope and need a helping hand. Some children may have experienced abuse, neglect or domestic violence. Whatever the reason, it’s through no fault of their own.

Foster care is about providing that child with a safe, stable family environment for as long as they need it. The time a child needs foster care will vary depending on their circumstances, from a few days or weeks to many years.
While a foster carer looks after the child, social workers can help the family with their problems, with the aim of returning the child home safely. Where this is not possible children may be prepared for adoption while they are with a foster carer. In some cases long term fostering is preferable to adoption for children who cannot return to their families.

For more information about fostering follow the links below or call us on 0800 917 0925.