Children and young people’s guide to fostering
Every child arriving at a new foster carer with Family Works Fostering will receive a handbook. This will hopefully answer any questions you have and make you feel less worried. Whether you’re a foster child or foster carer, you’re never alone when adapting to your new life.
We have three versions that cater for all the children and young people we help care for but they are not restricted.
The children’s guide
for 0-5 year-olds
This guide is here to help little ones understand what it might be like to live with a foster family. With simple words and friendly pictures, it helps children feel safe, cared for and know that there are grown-ups around to help them.
- Meet your foster family and the people who are there to help you.
- Learn about your new home, bedroom, toys and everyday routines.
- Find out about nursery, school, playtime and fun activities.
- Understand that it’s okay to feel happy, sad, worried or confused.
- Know who you can talk to when you are worried or need help.
- Remember that you can ask questions and tell a grown-up how you feel.
The children’s guide
for 6–10 year-olds
Find out everything you need to know about joining a foster family. From advice and rules to things to look forward to, it’s all here. So you’ll always have the help you need.
- What to expect from your new foster carer and social workers
- Health matters and Bullying
- What might change about school, holidays and other activities
- What to do if you’re worried or want to complain.
The young person’s guide
for 11-18 year-olds
As well as including the basic information from the 6–10 year-olds’ guide, your guide will also help you prepare for independence and make more of your own decisions.
- What your pocket money and allowance is for.
- How much say you have in decisions about health and education
- Important contacts for life as a foster child
- Contact Details
With the help of these guides, your foster family will understand what to expect and how to behave.
We hope you find the guide helpful but if you are still unsure or have any questions you can ask your foster carer or social worker. Like you have a social worker, your foster carer will also have a social worker and you can also speak to them too.
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