Parent and Child Fostering
Parent and child fostering is a specialist type of foster care where a parent (usually a mother, but sometimes both parents) and their baby or young child live together in the foster carer’s home. The aim is to provide a safe, supportive environment where the parent can develop the skills and confidence they need to care for their child.
At Family Works Fostering, we know how important it is to give families the best possible start. Parent and child fostering allows vulnerable parents to stay with their children while receiving guidance, encouragement, and stability at a crucial time in their lives.
Why is Parent and Child Fostering Needed?
There are many reasons why a parent and child may not be able to stay in their own home. In these situations, a parent and child foster carer can provide a safe and supportive environment where they receive the guidance and care they need. Some parents may struggle to care for their baby due to:
- A lack of support from their own family
- Difficult or unsafe living situations
- Mental health challenges
- Inexperience or lack of parenting skills
Rather than separating the parent and child, this type of fostering helps keep families together wherever possible, giving them the chance to thrive.
What’s the role of a Parent and Child foster carer
The role of a parent and child foster carer is to support, guide, and nurture. You’ll be there to offer practical parenting advice, ensure the child’s safety, and give the parent the best chance to succeed.
As a parent and child foster parent, your role is to:
- Provide a safe and nurturing home environment.
- Offer practical guidance with day-to-day parenting tasks such as feeding, routines, and baby care.
- Encourage and support the parent’s confidence and independence.
- Work alongside social workers and professionals to assess and safeguard the child’s wellbeing.
This is a unique and rewarding role that can have a lasting impact on two generations at once.
Support and training for Parent and Child fostering
We understand that parent and child placements can be complex, which is why we provide:
- We understand that parent and child placements can be complex, which is why we provide:
- Specialist training to prepare you for this type of fostering.
- 24/7 support from our experienced team.
- A generous fostering allowance to help cover the costs of supporting both parent and child.
- Ongoing professional guidance to ensure placements run smoothly.
Who Can Become a Parent and Child Foster Carer?
You don’t need to be a parent yourself or have professional childcare qualifications to foster a parent and child. What matters most is your ability to provide patience, empathy, and a safe, supportive home environment.
If you:
- Are over 21 years old
- Have a spare bedroom in your home
- Have the time, stability, and commitment to support both a parent and their child
- Can work as part of a professional team
At Family Works Fostering, we welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life. With our training and ongoing support, you’ll have the tools you need to make a real difference to two generations at once.
Parent and Child Fostering Pay
Parent and child fostering is a specialist type of placement, and we recognise the extra responsibility it carries. As a parent and child foster carer, you’ll receive a higher allowance than standard fostering placements. This payment is designed to cover the cost of caring for both the parent and their child, while also acknowledging the additional time, support, and supervision required.
Alongside financial support, you’ll also receive full training and 24/7 guidance from our dedicated team. This means you’ll never feel alone in your fostering journey.
Why Should I Foster With Family Works Fostering?
Family Works Fostering is an innovative and dynamic fostering agency based in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, specialising in providing first class foster placements to children and young people.
If you have any questions or would like to start your application process to become a foster carer, please get in contact with our friendly team on 01702 65 57 38 or email us at admin@fw-fostering.co.uk.
Take your first step to becoming a foster parent today
Parent and child fostering gives families the chance to stay together and build a better future. If you think you could provide a safe, supportive environment for a parent and their child, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch with Family Works Fostering today to learn more about becoming a Parent and Child foster carer.
Frequently Asked Questions: Parent and Child Fostering
How long does a parent and child placement last?
Do I need childcare qualifications to do this type of fostering?
Will I be responsible for the baby?
Can I choose whether to foster single parents or couples?
Speak to Our Team
For any and all enquiries please fill out the form below and click the submit button. We will respond as soon as possible.
Find us on social: 
