Top 5 Qualities of a Parent & Child Foster Carer

Fostering changes the lives of young people for the better. It can give you the opportunity to make a difference with young people who need it most. Did you know there are different types of foster care? Parent and Child Fostering lets you make a real difference to parents and their children and keep families together.

What is Parent & Child Fostering?

Parent and Child Fostering (P&C) involves keeping families of all shapes and sizes together. A vulnerable parent/s stays with a Foster Carer at a time when they need extra support and would otherwise be separated from their baby. It is a short-term arrangement (usually around 12 weeks), where a Foster Carer can help and guide a parent/s to care for their baby or young child, to help parent/s learn valuable skills they need to look after their children.

Blue Sky Fostering Support for You

We have local teams spread out across southern England to ensure everyone has a high level of support. We will provide you with comprehensive training, foster carer buddies and ongoing 24/7 support. Parent and Child Fostering is very rewarding.

If Parent and Child Fostering is something you are interested in, then look through our ‘Top 5 Qualities of a P&C Foster Carer’ below and contact us to discuss further, we would love to hear from you!

• Up for a Challenge!
  One of the biggest qualities of a P&C Foster Carer is being up for a challenge! As well as being resilient and emotionally robust, you will be patient and willing to offer a high level of support. You will make calm and objective decisions about safety and have the confidence to know when to step in and when to ask for help.
• Non-Judgemental
  P&C Fostering is a unique type of fostering in which you will not be the primary caregiver. The child’s parent (or parents) will be. You will observe, support, and provide your caring environment to the parent caring for their baby/child. Being non-judgemental will help you to allow the parent to establish a good standard of care for their child.

“She [Foster Carer] has made a difference to my life and way of thinking. Her help has made me into a different, more open and confident woman, and for that, I'm always grateful.” - Lorraine, Parent in a P&C Placement

• Finding the Balance
  For the parents walking into your home, it may be the first time they have experienced a safe, nurturing environment; free from threat and abuse. Finding the balance between being warm and supportive and keeping professional boundaries is an important quality to have. You might need to act as a mentor, advocate, supervisor, teacher, as well as a role model.
• Observational Skills
  As a P&C Foster Carer, you will be naturally curious about the relationship between the baby/child and his/her parent (or parents). Recording both positive observations as well as areas of concern plays a big part in the role of a P&C Foster Carer. Being open to learning about attachment can provide you with useful insights into these observations.
• Relationship Building & Communication
  Being a P&C Foster Carer means working with a team of professionals around you supporting the parent (or parents) and their baby/child. Communication is an important skill. Developing an open and honest relationship with the parent (or parents) will help bring out the best of them. Communicating in written form is also important, as you will record your observations. We will support you and help you develop your recording skills.

Do you have the qualities to become a Parent & Child Foster Carer? Call us on 0800 035 6499 or enquire and find out how you can make a positive difference in the lives of parents and their children. It will be life-changing for them and for you.