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Parent and Child Fostering

Parent and child fostering, also known as parent and baby fostering, is a specialist type of fostering where a parent and their child come to stay with you at a time when they need some extra support.

What is parent and child fostering?

With this type of fostering, you will be able to provide a helping hand to a new parent when they need it most. With your guidance and our support, they will learn the skills needed to raise a happy and healthy child. This gives the parent and child the best possible chance of staying together in the long-term.

Who will I look after?

Parent and child foster carers provide support to families who are experiencing difficulties with parenting whilst they are assessed and/or supported to try and resolve these difficulties.  

The parent or parents you look after can be of either gender, and their ages can range from adolescence to adulthood. While this type of placement is often for a family with a younger child or children, this is not always the case. 

The aim is to ensure the child has the best chance of remaining with their family. 

Foster carer benefits  

Round the clock support

Looking after a family is a round-the-clock job, so our local, friendly team is on call 24/7 to support you

Local fostering office

Our local office and support groups mean you can connect with other foster carers and families nearby

Training and career progression

We will provide all the required training for you to take on this highly specialised type of fostering

Foster carer pay

We believe that the stronger the support system for the foster carer, the more positive the outcome for the family in your care

Challenges and rewards

As a parent and child foster carer, there will be many happy occasions where the parent or parents have made huge progress and are able to look after their child on their own. This means that they have been able to overcome their disadvantages and feel confident raising a happy and healthy child. Ultimately, your support will have enabled a family to stay together, which is an incredible thing to do. The placement may only last several months, but the benefits can last a lifetime.  

Sadly, there may be occasions where the child cannot remain with their birth parent/s. In situations like this, you will help the parent/s and child to deal with the outcomes of this decision. We will be there to help you every step of the way, with 24/7 support from our experienced team. We will also be there for the parent/s and child, offering therapeutic care and continued support through Five Rivers Futures.  

foster child plays with foster parent

Interested in parent and child foster care?

Get in touch to arrange an informal chat with our friendly Carer Enquiry Team

Enquire about fostering