What happens if foster parents separate or get divorced?

Fostering as a couple can be a rewarding experience for all those involved, though it may have its challenges if a relationship breaks down.

Making the decision to separate or divorce can be difficult, but what does this mean for foster children in your care and how will the arrangement continue? Learn all you need to know in our helpful guide today.

What is considered a ‘significant change’?

During a foster placement, situations may arise that are considered a ‘significant change’. This includes:

• Separation
• Divorce
• Relocation
• Death of a foster parent

When this occurs, the fostering arrangement will need to be re-evaluated as a result of a change in the home.

What happens when a ‘significant change’ occurs?

When the decision has been made to separate or divorce, your social worker should be notified of this significant change as soon as possible.

An assessment of the situation will then be made by a social worker, with a report presented to the Fostering Panel for approval.

What does the assessment contain?

The assessment for the interim report will contain the following information:

• Date and term of approval
• Latest review date
• Details of the child or children in placement
• A summary of why the separation or divorce is occurring
• How both parties are managing with this decision
• An outline of the arrangements in place for the foster child or children

What happens after the assessment?

A meeting will be arranged with a professional, where the decision will be made as to whether the foster placement may continue with one parent or be taken to into another arrangement that is more suitable. The wellbeing of the foster child in care is of the upmost importance here and any decision made will reflect that.

We encourage you to think about your current situation and circumstances before making the decision to continue with your foster placement or handing in your notice. We understand big changes can disrupt the care of a foster child and can be emotionally difficult for foster parents to continue.

Whilst we know it can be a difficult decision to make, should both foster parents decide they can no longer continue, it is recommended that they hand in their resignation together. This helps to make the transition into a new home and routine much easier for the child in care.

What if one parent wishes to continue the foster placement?

If one parent continues to foster, this will be considered as fostering as a single parent and will require a re-assessment. This may include the new living arrangements to be made and any additional support needed for the foster carer at this time.

The foster parent who has left the home can also be assessed as a single foster carer should they wish to continue.  

Fostering as a single parent

A new fostering assessment will be completed and presented to the Fostering Panel to indicate that the carer is now fostering as a single parent.

Regular reviews will occur, to ensure that the remaining foster carer has the help and support needed to continue the arrangement and that the needs of the child or children in care are still being met.

How Excel Fostering can help

At Excel Fostering, we are on hand to support you whilst maintaining the priority and wellbeing of each foster child in your care.

We take serious consideration as a fostering agency to decide whether continuing a foster placement under these circumstances are of the best interests of the child and parent. You will have our full extensive support during this time, where we aim to provide as much assistance as we can.

Learn more about fostering as a single parent here, or for more information and guidance on this sensitive topic, get in touch with a member of our team on 0800 012 4004 who will be happy to help.