Parent and child fostering can be the most rewarding challenge you can do. Your aim is to help keep families together and teach parents in foster care the skills for how to raise a baby, all while giving a listening ear and in a judgement-free zone.
This specialist type of fostering is for adults who want to support parents who really need it, both personally and for their child.
what is needed to help parent and child fostering
As a parent and child foster carer, you’ll need to teach parenting skills, like how to feed their baby, and how to master bathing and the dreaded bedtime routines.
- You’ll need to encourage parents to give their child positive attention, and to be warm and kind to their child. It’s also important to teach them that parenting can be a beautiful and fun experience, and how they can bond with their children.
- You’ll need to be able to support parents who may have had a difficult childhood themselves. It’s essential that you go into this type of fostering judgement free, and ready to assist the parent to build their own self-esteem, confidence, and life choices.
- Confidence with babies and young children is a must, and while having your own children isn’t a requirement, you’ll need some form of experience with them before jumping into this specialised type of environment.
- We ask that you supervise the new parent without judgement, as you’ll need to observe their daily interactions and progress with their child, making sure to keep detailed records for the assessment.
what do you need to foster a parent and child together
When fostering a baby and parent, you’ll need a spare bedroom that’s big enough for a bed, a cot, and some extra furniture so they can feel at home. You don’t need to be a homeowner. If your landlord is aware of you fostering, that’s all we ask.
We also recommend owning a car, as you’ll need to take the new parent to appointments and follow ups, and it can be trickier without one.
how long does parent and child fostering last?
These types of placements usually last around 12 weeks, although they can last longer if the mother needs to stay before giving birth.
The reason it lasts 12 weeks is because an assessment will be taking place, which is why your documentation really matters. However, these placements can be extended if the parent needs a little more time and support.
A successful outcome might be for the parent to move in with family, into other forms of supported living, or to live independently, as well-prepared as possible for their new role as mum or dad.
are there mother and baby fostering allowances?
Yes, of course! We understand that for you to provide security and guidance to vulnerable parents, you’ll also need to be paid.
So, every carer is given an allowance for every person in their care alongside their fostering allowances and other benefits the local authority may offer.
Read more: Will I be paid as a foster carer?
“With the extended support of our family, we felt we could offer a safe and loving home to children who may not have had as fortunate a start in life as what we had.”
Darren and Rhia, foster carers in Newport
is there training provided?
Absolutely. We will support you every step of the way, showing you the ropes to fostering, so you feel prepared and know all the rules around mother and baby fostering.
We also offer dedicated courses and qualifications which help you build on skills you already have, to give you all the tools you need.
Read more: How we can support you.
can I foster a baby?
When it comes to fostering babies in the UK, we recommend that you have experience with babies and young children, patience, and understand that you might not be able to exclusively foster babies full time.
This is because there’s high demand across foster families for this scenario, which is why we really recommend parent and child fostering, as you’ll have the same amount of involvement, and it can be just as rewarding.
You can find out more information on whether you hit the requirements for fostering here.
ready for parent and child fostering?
Are you ready to open your home and heart to a parent who needs that extra bit of support? Get in touch with us and let’s discuss how you can make a difference.
