What is fostering and why foster?

Each year in the UK, tens of thousands of children and young people come into care, often from challenging circumstances. Children may have experienced a lack of stability, perhaps abuse or neglect, or their family may be going through crisis. All have experienced trauma and separation, even those who come into care at birth.

Fostering is an opportunity to give vulnerable children and young people a safe place in a stable and loving home while their birth family is unable to look after them. Some may need a home for a few nights, others for a few months or years, and some will need to be looked after throughout their childhood. All will need care, compassion and support.

The loss and trauma that these children and young person have experienced will understandably have an effect on each one. Some may struggle with trust, confidence or building appropriate relationships. Some may have health issues, developmental delays or additional needs. Some may not be able to cope with challenges and big emotions, and this will outwork in their behaviour. It will look different for every child.

Foster carers are needed for children of all ages, but there is often a particular need for families who are able to look after groups of siblings, children with disabilities or complex needs, children of black and minority ethnic heritage, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and teenagers.