What is fostering?

Fostering explained

Fostering can be a challenging but rewarding experience, as foster carers play a critical role in helping children and young people in need. It requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to meeting the child's needs. 

Every child has a unique history, and each situation has its obstacles - but it is through the loving care of foster carers that these troubles can be turned into successes and opportunities.  

The fostering process starts when a child or young adult cannot live with their biological parents. There is no set timeline for when they are placed, this is based on the individual's needs and situation.

In Wales, the local authorities manage the foster care system. To make the process more efficient, they will often use independent fostering agencies, like Calon Cymru Fostering, who manage and support the foster placements for them. As a foster agency, this allows us to form direct connections with the local foster carers, supplying the highest quality assistance and advice and a friendly presence to give help, training and support whenever required. When somebody becomes a foster carer, they will be setting off a chain reaction that affects their lives and those of the young people they will care for.  

Why do children come into care?

It's important to note that every child's situation is unique, and coming into care can be a traumatic and challenging experience for them. The goal of foster care is to provide a safe, stable, and supportive home for these children until they can be reunited with their families. 

Children come into care for various reasons, and each child's situation is unique. Here are some common reasons why children may come into care: 

Neglect or abuse  

Some children may come into care because they have experienced neglect or abuse in their family home, and their safety and well-being are at risk. 

Parental illness or incapacity

Children may come into care if their parents cannot care for them due to illness, disability, or addiction.  

Family breakdown

Children may come into care if their parents are going through a divorce or separation and there is no other suitable family member or friend who can care for them. 

Parental imprisonment

Children may come into care if their parent or caregiver is imprisoned and there is no other suitable family member or friend who can care for them. 

Homelessness

Children may come into care if their family is homeless or in unsuitable housing. 

Special needs 

Children with special needs, such as physical or intellectual disabilities, may come into care if their parents cannot provide the necessary care and support. 

What is the role of a foster carer?

As a foster carer, you would provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for a child or young person. Here are some of the things that a foster carer might be expected to do: 

Meet the child's basic needs

This includes providing food, clothing, shelter, and medical care as needed. 

Provide emotional support

Foster children may have experienced trauma and may need extra emotional support. Therefore, foster carers should be patient, understanding, and able to provide a caring and stable environment for the child. 

Help with schoolwork

Foster carers should ensure that the child attends school regularly and provide assistance with homework and other school-related activities. 

Work with the child's social worker

Foster carers should work closely with the child's social worker and other professionals to ensure the child's needs are met. 

Attend meetings and appointments

Foster carers may be required to attend meetings with the child's social worker, school, and other professionals involved in the child's care. 

Maintain records

Foster carers should keep accurate records of the child's care, including medical appointments, school attendance, and other important information. 

Provide a stable and safe home environment  

Foster carers should provide a stable and safe home environment for the child, including a safe and comfortable bedroom and access to recreational activities. 

Help with reunification 

The goal is for the child to be reunited with their birth family. In that case, foster carers will work with the child's social worker and birth family to facilitate a successful reunification when the time is right. 

What do I need to know about fostering?

If you are considering becoming a foster carer, here are some things you should know 

Foster care is a challenging but rewarding experience

Foster care can be emotionally challenging, but providing a safe and loving home for a child in need can also be incredibly rewarding. 

Foster children may have experienced trauma

Many foster children have experienced abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma and may require extra support and understanding. 

Foster care is a temporary arrangement

The goal of foster care is to provide a temporary home for a child while their birth family works towards resolving the issues that led to the child's placement in care. However, in some cases, the child may be placed in long-term foster care, or the goal may change to adoption. 

Social workers support foster carers 

Foster carers receive support and guidance from social workers and other professionals involved in the child's care. 

Foster carers are required to meet specific criteria 

To become a foster carer, you must meet specific criteria, such as being over 21 years old, having a spare bedroom, and passing background checks and training. 

Foster carers receive financial support  

Foster carers receive financial support to cover the child's costs, including allowances for things like clothing and school supplies. A portion of the allowance a foster carer receives is to pay them for their time and dedication to the child in their care.  

Foster carers play a vital role in the child's life 

Foster carers significantly impact the child's well-being and future and can provide a stable and loving home that the child may not have otherwise.