15th February, 2024
Meet Caroline, parent and child foster carer, who has been with Excel Fostering since 2012. She originally began fostering with husband Frank, wanting to bring ‘a little bit of fun and happiness’ to children who are unable to live with their birth parents.
Unfortunately, Frank has now passed, Caroline continues to foster, forming a niche as a parent and child foster carer.
We asked Caroline recently, what drew her to this type of fostering.
“I’m lucky enough to have the space at home to be able to provide a healthy set up. There are two living rooms, which means everyone gets their own space, which is so important in these situations.”
For those who don’t know, parent and child fostering is a specialist form of foster care where both the parent and their baby comes to live with the carer. The foster carer forms a bond with the parent, nurturing them and equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in parenthood.
What skills do you need as a parent and child foster carer?
Highly intensive, yet highly rewarding, the aim is to keep families together. We asked Caroline what her top hints and tricks are for supporting parents…
“I encourage the young parents to take time for themselves as their mental health is also important. Parents who need some extra help caring for their own children may not have had the best childhood experience themselves. It is important to welcome them into the family and make them feel safe and comfortable.”
“You never stop learning as a foster carer as there is always something new that you may have not dealt with before. It’s important to keep attending as much training as possible, as it really helps to develop your fostering style.
“Fostering is worthwhile; my parenting style works well with the parent and child arrangements I look after. Parent and child fostering is a unique step but one Excel Fostering really need carers for. They offer an in-depth course that covers everything you need to know. Whether you have been a parent or not, some people just need a little extra help at the beginning stages of parenthood. There’s no type, sometimes it’s because they are a young parent themselves or other times because have learning difficulties.
“If you have the time, I really recommend you becoming a parent and child foster carer. It’s varied and who else can say you helped to keep a family together and grow into independence.”
If you’ve got any questions or would like to find out more about fostering with Capstone, fill out the form below.
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Start the conversation today. Our team of friendly advisors are on hand to answer any foster care questions you may have. We can offer you honest and practical advice that can help you decide if becoming a foster carer is the right path for you.
