Remand fostering is a specialist type of foster care that provides a safe home for a young person instead of a custodial sentence.
At New Chapters Fostercare, we work with local authorities across Shropshire, Staffordshire, and the West Midlands to ensure that children in urgent need are matched quickly and compassionately with experienced foster carers.
These placements give young people structure, empathy, and consistency — often for the first time in their lives.
Remand fostering is required when a young person enters the criminal justice system and needs a safe place to live while awaiting trial or sentencing.
It’s a short-term arrangement, typically lasting from a few weeks to a few months, offering a stable home and a sense of normality during court proceedings.
Young people on remand may have faced neglect, trauma, or unmet mental-health needs. For them, a calm, supportive foster home can make a huge difference — breaking cycles of harm and helping them rebuild trust.
Carers play a vital role here: they encourage attendance at hearings, liaise with solicitors, and help ensure bail conditions are met.
Remand foster carers play a vital role in providing a nurturing and stable environment for young people during a challenging period in their lives. They accompany the young person to court, support them in meeting with legal representatives, and help them comply with any bail conditions or court mandates such as curfews or electronic monitoring.
They maintain detailed records of the young person’s progress and any safeguarding concerns, sharing these with social workers and, when appropriate, the court.
Beyond the legal aspects, they support young people to develop essential life skills — improving communication, emotional control, and conflict resolution. This guidance helps young people begin to rebuild confidence and trust in themselves and others.
Remand foster carers also work closely with a range of professionals, including social workers, youth offending officers, and education specialists, ensuring that every aspect of the young person’s welfare is supported and that consistent boundaries are maintained.
Remand foster carers come from all walks of life, bringing a range of experiences and perspectives. Having a background in fostering, youth work, education, or law enforcement can be beneficial, but it’s not essential. What matters most is being patient, flexible, and non-judgmental, as the need for remand foster care can arise unexpectedly.
Remand foster carers aim to disrupt the cycle of detention by guiding young people toward constructive choices and new patterns of behaviour. Their support helps young people move away from the criminal justice system and toward reformed, more fulfilling lives.
It’s a role that demands empathy and consistency — but for many, it’s also one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences they’ll ever have.
At New Chapters Fostercare (would be good to link this to a page on support and training) we understand the unique demands of remand fostering and provide high levels of specialist support to ensure no carer feels unprepared.
Our carers receive:
You never feel alone in this role — our wrap-around support ensures help, advice, and guidance is always just a call away.
If you live in Shropshire, Staffordshire, or the wider West Midlands, you could make a life-changing difference to a young person in crisis.
You don’t need prior fostering experience — just empathy, stability, and a willingness to help. Our friendly team at New Chapters Fostercare will guide you through every step, from initial enquiry to approval and beyond.
Ready to make a difference? Get in touch with our fostering team today to learn more about becoming a remand foster carer. Even one placement can change a young person’s story — sometimes, all it takes is one safe home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age are young people in remand fostering?
Typically between 10 and 17 years old, though most placements involve teens aged 13–17 who need a stable home while awaiting court outcomes.
Do I need experience to become a remand foster carer?
No — full training and ongoing support are provided. Many of our carers come from non-fostering backgrounds but share a commitment to helping young people.
How long do remand fostering placements last?
Most last a few weeks to a few months, depending on the court process and the young person’s situation.
Is there financial support for remand foster carers?
Yes. Remand carers receive a higher allowance to reflect the role’s intensity, along with generous tax relief.
Where is remand fostering available?
New Chapters Fostercare supports carers and young people across Shropshire, Telford, Staffordshire, Wolverhampton, Dudley, and Sandwell.
