Children may move on from foster care for many reasons, including returning to their birth family, moving to live with relatives, adoption, or moving towards independence. While these transitions can bring mixed emotions, they are an important part of helping children move forward and make progress.
Foster parents can advocate, should always be consulted and be kept informed, but they are not responsible for the overall plan for the child. Whatever the reason a child moving on, we offer support for foster families whilst enduring transitions and endings.
When birth parents make positive changes and are able to safely care for their child again, children may return home. Foster parents can play an important role in helping children prepare for this transition and supporting parents to develop routines that help the child continue to thrive.
Children may also move on to live with relatives, be placed for adoption, or prepare for independent living as they grow older. Foster parents help support these transitions by providing stability, encouragement and reassurance as children move forward into the next stage of their lives.
Foster parents have the opportunity to make a difference for the children who come into their lives and to work with us to make moving on as positive as possible. We always ask foster parents to help us to provide a consistent message to the child about why they are moving. We also always want the child to take with them positive memories of their time with their foster family and typically ask foster parents to provide them with photos and keepsakes of their time with them and to help them to pack their belongings together in a thoughtful way with appropriate luggage. When endings are managed well, there is often an ongoing role for the foster parent in the life of the child and they can continue to make a difference and be there for them after they have moved on.
Every foster carer plays a vital role in helping children feel safe, valued, and supported during difficult times.
Becoming a foster parent means providing children with stability, care, and encouragement they need to grow and succeed. By opening your home and family to a child, you can provide a safe environment where young people feel supported and valued while they move forward in life. Every child deserves the chance to thrive and with our support, you can help make that possible.