The role of a foster carer

We understand and recognise that being a foster carer is a huge commitment. Foster carers take on the role of parent, teacher, therapist and friend, as well as having to keep records, attend training and facilitate visits with birth families.

Foster carers work alongside many other professionals involved in supporting a child in need. They may have to help their foster child with their education, contact with their families and their emotional wellbeing. Foster carers are advocates for their young person. This nurturing environment, giving a child love, care, time and attention can help to improve the young person’s life chances.

Foster carers provide the every day care for their young person but they do not have legal parental responsibility. When a child becomes a cared for child by the local authority, the local authority shares parental responsibility with the birth parents. Foster carers look after children on behalf of the local authority and are given delegated authority by them which allows them to make day to day decisions for the young person in their care.

A foster carer is an amazing individual who welcomes a vulnerable young person into their home. Foster carers are patient, kind and caring. They are organised, calm and flexible. You don’t need to be perfect to be a foster carer, and we certainly wouldn’t expect you to be, you just need to be you. With our guidance, training and support you will become a professional, skilled foster carer who is instrumental in changing young people’s lives for the better and helping them to reach their potential.

There are many different kinds of foster care arrangement that you can choose. An emergency situation may only last overnight, there is also short-term fostering, planned breaks and long-term fostering which may extend into adulthood. During your assessment we’ll decide together which arrangement would work best for you and your family. As a foster carer you will provide the stability and care in a loving environment that every child needs. When you decide to become a foster carer, you’ll be assessed, approved and trained by us. Every step of the way, you will be supported by a team of professionals. Find out more about the different types of fostering.

We believe your fostering journey will be extremely rewarding, but there may be challenges along the way. That is why you can count on us to be there for you 24/7, with all the guidance, support and training that you need to make sure your new way of life is successful for everyone. When we explore fostering with you, we look at who you are, what your life looks like and how a young person could be themselves in your home. That’s how we ensure that the support we provide is truly shaped around you and your life. Find out more about our support.