Parent and child fostering is a specialist form of fostering, very different from most others. Instead of caring directly for a child in the traditional sense, foster carers provide a safe, supportive family home where a parent—often a new mother—can learn the skills they need to care for their baby.
The foster carer’s role is largely observation and assessment, combined with gentle support and guidance. Placements usually last 12–16 weeks, with the aim of determining whether the parent can care for their child safely without long-term involvement from the local authority or courts.
Because of the responsibility and skills involved, parent and child fostering usually comes with enhanced fostering allowances.
Parent and child fostering can be helpful for families where a parent would benefit from some extra guidance and encouragement in caring for their baby. It provides a safe and supportive environment where parenting skills can be learned and developed at a steady pace.
This type of fostering can support:
The aim is always to help parents gain the knowledge, skills and confidence they need, giving them the best possible chance of living independently with their child. Whatever the reason, the request for a parent and child fostering arrangement will usually come from the responsible authority and/or court, as an alternative to removal of the child where there are significant concerns.
Foster carers offering parent and child fostering provide an environment that is safe, nurturing and encouraging, so that parents can develop the skills they need. Mistakes are seen as a natural part of the learning process, and carers play a key role in reassuring parents that observations are not about blame or judgement, but about supporting progress and understanding how the parent responds to guidance.
Daily recordings are an important part of the role, and foster carers are asked to keep clear and accurate notes to support professionals such as social workers, health visitors and midwives.
Carers may offer practical advice and encouragement around:
Because this form of fostering is quite different to other types, carers complete specific training before being approved to provide parent and child fostering.
At New Chapters Fostercare, parent and child foster carers receive the same high-level support as all our foster carers across Shropshire and Staffordshire. In addition, there may be input from midwives, health visitors and other professionals.
All foster carers must also complete paediatric first aid training, ensuring they can step in if needed to keep a baby safe.
The hope for every parent and child fostering placement is that the parent leaves feeling more confident and able to care for their baby independently. The skills, routines and reassurance they gain during the placement are designed to give them the best possible chance of building a safe and stable family life, ideally with little or no need for further involvement from social services.
Sometimes, however, parents may find it harder to put new skills into practice or may need more support than can be offered within the placement. In these situations, the responsible authority and courts will carefully consider what is in the best interests of the child. This could mean extra support at home, or in some cases, exploring alternatives such as care within the wider family, adoption or long-term fostering.
Throughout, the focus remains on giving both the parent and child the greatest opportunity for a positive future together, while ensuring the child’s safety and wellbeing are always protected.
Krystal and Christopher joined New Chapters in 2023 with the vision of becoming parent and child carers. They began with short-term fostering placements to build experience before being approved for parent and child fostering.
“Currently we have a young mum and her baby living with us and for a short period of time we have had baby’s dad join us to undergo a joint parenting assessment. Our role as carers is to observe the parenting of the baby, supporting and educating the mum/parents along the way but stepping in to ensure the safety of the newborn if necessary.
Throughout the placement we have shown and helped parents on how to care for their newborn, assisting with basic tasks such as sterilising bottles, safe sleeping, bathing and changing nappies amongst others. We have discussed getting finances in place and moving on in their own home including budgeting for baby’s essentials, bills, rent and food. We have attended numerous meetings to ensure mum and baby’s needs are being met as well as meetings to plan on going care for the future.
Keeping accurate, detailed, factual notes is imperative within fostering especially if the placement needs to be heard within the court arena.
Whilst fostering can be challenging the rewards outweigh any issues we have faced. This is helped knowing that we have an excellent wealth of support, training and knowledge around us from the New Chapters team that enables us as a family to provide the best care we can.”
Their experience highlights both the challenges and the deep rewards of parent and child fostering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it the parent or the baby that is being fostered?
Both. The foster carer’s role is to care for the parent and child together, but the focus is on observing and supporting the parent’s ability to care safely for their baby.
How long does parent and child fostering last?
Typically 12–16 weeks, though placements can sometimes be shorter or longer depending on circumstances.
Do I need to do a lot of recording?
Yes. Daily recordings are an essential part of the role, supporting the work of social workers, health visitors and midwives, and providing evidence for the courts if required.
