Parent and child fostering is a unique form of foster care, providing support to both the parent/s and their baby during a crucial time. It offers a family-oriented environment where parents can build their confidence and parenting skills, ensuring they have the best chance to succeed. To better understand the challenges and rewards of this type of fostering, we spoke with Jo, a foster carer with years of experience.
What inspired you to choose this specific type of fostering over others?
“We have done a wide range of different foster placements over the last few years; however, parent and child placements were always something we knew we would like to try. The opportunity to provide support to parents within a family-oriented environment, particularly those with limited support networks, is something we felt we could offer. We feel it is important, while parents could be undertaking a parenting assessment, that they are given every opportunity to succeed while being with their baby.”
Can you share a particularly rewarding experience you have had in this role?
“Our first parent and child placement was unique. We were approached and asked if we would accommodate a baby, the baby’s mother, and the baby’s Nan. This was so all care options for the baby could be explored while living together and caring for the baby in a safe and supportive environment. This placement was especially rewarding for us, and we are pleased with the positive outcome that the baby, Mum, and Nan have gone on to live together and raise the baby.”
Jo also discussed the preparation needed for parent and child fostering, highlighting the importance of understanding the unique needs of both the parent and child.
“We attended an online parent and child training course, which helped us to understand more about this type of fostering. We were also provided with training modules that we spent time reading. Also, our supporting social worker had a lot of knowledge around parent and child fostering and was available to offer advice or answer any questions we had.”
Jo offers this advice for families thinking of starting this journey:
“One thing we have learned, which we feel is important to remember, is that every parent has their individual life experiences, which may play a part in the way they raise their baby, as well as how they respond to your support. You must be open-minded and adapt your approach as needed. We feel that by doing this, you can build better relationships with the parents and, in turn, provide better support for them.”
In terms of helping parents grow in confidence and parenting skills, Jo says:
“We adapt our approach differently to suit each parent. We have had a wide range of parent and baby placements, and each individual parent’s skills and confidence have differed. We feel the key place to start is ensuring the parents are aware of our non-judgmental and caring nature and that we offer a safe space for parents to speak with us. Furthermore, we make sure to praise parents for their progress and encourage them to reflect on how well they are doing to help build their confidence. We also advocate for the parents, which can range from helping them look into parenting classes to supporting them if they need to attend important meetings or appointments.”
One of the most memorable success stories for Jo involves a first-time parent who had grown up in foster care herself:
“One particular parent that resonates with us is a first-time parent who had grown up within the foster care system herself. Her baby was born prematurely, meaning they both had to remain in the hospital for some time following the birth. She had no family or social support network around her, and this was also her first experience around young babies. When the parent arrived with us, her knowledge of providing the basics, such as changing a nappy and preparing bottles was limited, so that was where we started. Week by week, her confidence and ability to care for her baby independently grew. After being with us for six months, the parent returned home with her baby and is now an amazing mother to a little boy.”
Despite the challenges, Jo remains motivated by the difference she can make:
“We understand that this might not always happen, but we have been fortunate that all the parents who have moved on with their children have kept in contact with us and send regular photos and updates. This is a huge motivation to keep fostering and a reminder of the difference you can make to a family.”
By sharing stories like Jo’s, we can show how important foster carers are and the big difference they make in the lives of families who need help. Parent and child fostering not only supports young parents and their babies, but also helps build a stronger community for everyone.
If Jo’s story has inspired you, contact us here for an informal chat.
