Why You Should Consider A Foster Care Career In 2025

It’s a new year, which will see many of us thinking about our goals and dreams for 2025. You might want to improve your health or pick up a new hobby, but have you ever thought about a fresh start in your career? We know the idea of changing careers can be pretty daunting, but it’s also an exciting one too. From learning new skills to having a completely different life purpose, it’s an opportunity to better yourself and gain new experiences.

Why is foster care important?

Careers in the foster care system are in high demand right now, due to a national shortage of foster families. Every year, around 30,000 new children come into care, however with a significant increase in referrals due to the pandemic and not enough foster carers available, vulnerable children are left without a safe, loving home – something every young person deserves to have.

Growing up without this stability affects children in a variety of ways. From their ability to form relationships to how they process and regulate emotions, all aspects of their development can be severely impacted. This is why foster care is one of the most rewarding careers out there. It’s a job that enables you to actually transform a young person’s life. Whether it’s providing a safe place to live for a few nights or supporting a child through school and helping them reach their full potential, the work a foster parent does is crucial in giving vulnerable – and often misunderstood – children a chance at life.

Here are 6 reasons why you should consider a foster care career in 2025 and help change children’s lives.

It’s a career that makes a difference

Unlike many desk jobs, fostering actively makes a world of difference. It’s crucial in helping to ensure the next generation of children grow up in healthy, secure environments with the chance to reach their full potential. Foster carers don’t just provide a safe place for children to live – they are role models, teachers and parents all rolled into one. With the help of foster families, foster children can learn to overcome trust issues, build confidence and grow into successful young adults with promising careers of their own. Many even go on to have careers in the foster care system themselves, creating a positive cycle of change.

It’s not only life changing for the foster children, but it’s also a rich, rewarding experience for you and your family. Fostering can open your eyes to new cultures, teach you things about yourself you never knew and give you a deeper purpose in life.

You get to leave a legacy

As short-term fostering is the most common type in the UK, foster parents are likely to open up their homes to many different children. From passing on wisdom to creating family traditions, fostering is a career that enables you to leave a legacy that matters. It can be little things like teaching a child how to brush their teeth to bigger things like helping a teenager get back onto a positive path. Everything a foster parent does goes towards helping children develop independence and become the best versions of themselves. Now that’s something to be proud of.

There are thousands of children without a home

When a child is placed into the care system, they are scared and confused. Being separated from their birth family, even those who have been abusive or neglectful, can cause a child significant stress. That’s why it’s important they are placed with loving, supporting foster parents who can give them the stability they need during what is a very difficult time. No child should be denied the comfort and security of a loving home, but unfortunately, it happens. When people decide to embark upon a foster care career, they’re not just choosing a job to pay the bills. It’s a commitment to giving every child the opportunity to live a happy, healthy life.

You can use other skills to become a great foster parent

You don’t need to have superpowers to be a brilliant foster parent. Skills you’ve learnt in previous jobs, through having your own children or nuggets of wisdom you’ve picked up in life can play a big part in your role as a foster carer. Transferrable skills like having empathy, being a good listener, organisation skills, compassion, resilience, an open mind and having a bucket-load of patience are all traits we look for in future foster parents.

You don’t even need previous experience in caring for a child. Of course, this is an added bonus if you have, but it’s the personal qualities that stand out to us. As long as you’re determined to make a difference, we can help you become a great foster parent.

You get ongoing training and 24/7 support

With many careers, it’s easy to hit a ceiling, however being a foster parent means you’re always learning something new. At FCA, we understand that fostering is a professional career, so professional development is something we actively encourage. We ensure our foster parents get access to amazing training courses where they can enhance their existing skills or specialise in a certain area, like fostering with trauma, disabilities or autism. Our ongoing approach to training means foster parents are equipped with the knowledge they need to successfully care for children with different needs.

Fostering with FCA is like joining a big family. You have a network of professionals at your fingertips as well as a community of other like-minded foster parents to share experiences with. From dedicated social work support and therapy services to peer support groups and regular fun events in the community, you’ll realise that when you foster a child with FCA, you’re never alone. That’s why foster care is such a unique and rich career.

You get generous fostering allowances and benefits

Fostering a child has its challenges, so it’s only right that foster carers are rewarded for their hard work and dedication. Independent fostering agencies (IFAs) pay more than local authorities, but the exact amount you get depends on where you live and the child you’re fostering. The allowances cover all the costs of caring for a child, including meals, clothes, bills and presents. You also get a minimum of 14 nights paid respite, which is where the child in your care lives with another foster family while you have a well-earned break. There are also additional bonuses for the length of service and hitting fostering milestones. The fostering allowance also gives you a number of tax exemptions and won’t affect any of your existing benefits.

We could give you a 101 reasons why you should consider a career in the foster care system and why foster care is important, but the main one will always be the fact you get to change a child’s life.

If you want more information about fostering, download our Beginner’s Guide to Fostering a Child handbook. It’s everything you need to know about fostering in one, handy place. Or, you can get in touch and we’ll answer any questions you have.

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Fostering 101: The Beginner’s Guide to Fostering a Child

Fostering Beginners Guide

The right style of foster care for you

We provide several types of fostering to ensure we meet each child and young person’s requirements and match the foster children with the best type of foster home for their situation. Some children and young people may just need fostering for a few nights, while others need a more permanent family environment.

Short-term

Welcome a child or young people who need to be looked after in temporary basics anywhere between 1 or 2 nights, a few weeks or months.

Short term fostering

Long-term

This is where you invite a child into your home on a long term basis, providing a stable family home to a child for many years.

Long term fostering

Parent & child

Where a parent often a mother and their baby, comes to stay with you. Usually last for last around 12 weeks.

Parent-Child Fostering

Emergency

Could you provide a safe and nurturing home to a vulnerable child or young person? If so, emergency fostering could be for you.

Emergency fostering

Find out more about all the types of foster care placements we offer and how you can make a difference.

Types of fostering

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We’d love to hear from you!

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Call a member of our friendly fostering team and they’ll be able to answer all your questions

0800 023 4561

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Tips for Your First Christmas Together as a Foster Family

Regardless of the type of fostering you provide, you’ll likely celebrate Christmas with a foster child at some point in your fostering journey. You may already have a few ideas up your sleeve, but if you need a little extra guidance, here are our tips to help you prepare for Christmas. 

Our top tips on how to prepare for Christmas 

Christmas is firmly on the horizon, and you may be visualising beautiful decorations, freshly baked gingerbread men and stockings full of presents. But, when preparing for the first Christmas with your foster child, whose images of Christmas could be very different, there are many things to consider. But we’re here to help you prepare so you’re ready for any challenges that may arise during this magical season. 

Supporting a Foster Child at Christmas

Recognise the impact of Christmas on your foster child 

Christmas, although a joyous time of year for many children, can be incredibly challenging for foster children. If they’ve only recently moved into care, this could be their first Christmas without their family. Christmas could also trigger distressing memories for foster children who’ve experienced difficult family dynamics, abuse and neglect. They also have to navigate the depictions of happy families in Christmas films and questions at school about their Christmas plans.  

So, when you’re preparing for Christmas, it’s essential to recognise the impact Christmas could have on your foster child’s well-being. Their emotions may be heightened, and their behaviour could change, so they’ll need your help to guide them through the festive season.  

At FCA, our therapists are on hand to support you in understanding the link between your foster child’s behaviour and their past experiences. This will enable you to respond in a therapeutic way throughout the festive period and beyond so they can heal from their trauma. 

Ask for their input 

Make getting prepared for Christmas a family affair. Including your foster child in the planning will show them that you value their input and want them to feel part of the family. It could also help ease anxiety about what will happen on Christmas day and during the lead-up because they’ll know what to expect. Details you could discuss with your foster child include: 

  • Traditions: Find out if they hold any Christmas traditions close to their heart and include some in your plans. For example, they may watch the same Christmas movie or attend a carol service every year.  
  • Food: Let them know what’s usually on the menu at Christmas and see if they have any preferences. They may not be used to a full-on Christmas dinner, selecting a simple alternative instead.  
  • Decorations: They could help you choose the style, colour and positioning of decorations around the house. They might like to add some festive cheer to their bedroom or keep things very simplistic if it’s triggering.  
  • Activities: From Christmas arts and crafts to ice skating, give them some activity choices and allow them to select their favourites. This way, you’ll only plan activities they’re comfortable participating in.  
  • Visitors: If you’re planning to have guests over the Christmas period, check to see if they’re okay with this and ensure they know exactly who’ll be visiting. It may be easier to visit friends and family at their homes instead so you can leave if it gets too much for your foster child.  

 

Stick to their routine 

Taking breaks from your usual routine can be refreshing; however, for children in care, a consistent routine can provide stability and a sense of safety. While it might be tempting to disrupt this routine for a couple of weeks, doing so could disorient your foster child and further heighten their emotions.  

So, during the Christmas holidays, stick to a familiar routine; for example, continue to have meals at the same time every day and adhere to their usual bedtimes. You could also include activities that are good for your foster child’s well-being, such as nature walks and quiet times where they can read or write their thoughts down in a journal. 

Have realistic expectations 

If you want to organise lots of festive fun, that’s brilliant, but Christmas can be particularly emotive for your foster child, and even if they say they’re okay with your plans now, they may change their mind later.  

It’s important to manage your expectations and be prepared for sudden changes to your plans. When discussing Christmas activities with your foster child, reassure them that it’s okay for them to change their mind. This could help alleviate any worries they may have about disappointing you. 

Remember, there is nothing wrong with having a quiet, calm and cosy Christmas. In fact, it could be the perfect opportunity to build a closer bond with your foster child. The main thing is that they feel loved, nurtured, and safe. 

Help them prepare for family time  

If your foster child has contact arrangements with their family, they may see them over Christmas and want to take some gifts or cards. So, consider going Christmas shopping together or spending an afternoon making festive cards.  

After your foster child sees their family, they may need some quiet time to reflect as the reality of not being with them on Christmas Day sinks in. If family time doesn’t go to plan, listen to their experience without judgment while offering comfort and support. 

Don’t go overboard on gifts 

It can be easy to get carried away when Christmas shopping, especially if you keep finding things you think your foster child would appreciate. However, receiving too many gifts on Christmas day could be overwhelming, and your foster child may not know how to respond. To avoid going overboard, ask your foster child to write a Christmas wish list and focus on purchasing a small number of meaningful presents instead. If you’re struggling with Christmas gift ideas, talk to other foster parents in our community. 

Gifts are only a small part of the Christmas experience, and it won’t be long until your foster child outgrows toys, games and clothes. So rather than putting too much pressure on yourself to find the perfect gifts, concentrate on enjoying each other’s company and creating positive memories.  

Look after your own well-being 

When you’re busy making Christmas plans, it can be easy to overlook your own well-being, and you could end up experiencing burnout. Make an effort to allocate time for yourself, even if it’s just having a nice hot bath every evening or going for a walk on your own. These small things can give you the headspace to organise your thoughts and feel ready to take on the next challenge.  

Don’t forget to tap into our support for foster parents. Whether you need guidance, advice, or just a listening ear, your dedicated social worker and our 24/7 helpline are only a phone call away. At FCA, we also host activities throughout the year, so contact your local centre to see what they’ve got planned for Christmas and share your experiences with other foster families. 

Christmas with foster child

Foster a child over Christmas 

If you don’t already foster and are considering fostering a child or have experience and want to switch to an agency committed to making a real difference in the lives of children, contact us today. At FCA, we provide you with the support, training, and resources you need to give children a happy childhood. Together, we can help children in care build positive memories, including Christmases full of love, laughter and joy. 

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Tips for Welcoming a Foster Child into Your Home

Whether you’re excited, nervous, or something in between, welcoming a foster child into your home can be a daunting experience. So, we’ve spoken to foster parents and created this guide to give you some ideas on how to help your foster child settle into their new home.

How to make a foster child feel welcome

When foster children arrive at a new home, they have already been through a lot and are stepping into the unknown, which can be a frightening and stressful experience. Here are a few practical tips to help them feel at ease and welcome.

making a foster child feel welcome

Create a welcome basket

When children move into foster care, they often have to leave their belongings behind. This means they may not have everything they need on arrival and could initially feel embarrassed or afraid to ask for items they require. Creating a welcome basket will ease their anxiety about being without their belongings and ensure they feel comfortable in their new home.

One of our foster parents said, “Welcome baskets for the children are a good idea. We include some basics like a hairbrush, toothpaste, toothbrush, pants, socks, a towel, colouring books, a pencil case and pens.”

If you’re fostering a teenager, you could include sanitary towels, tampons, shampoo, conditioner and deodorant. You could also swap the colouring books for a notepad and include age-appropriate novels, magazines, games, snacks and a bottle of water.

Create a welcome book

When your foster child moves in, they may feel overwhelmed by all the new faces and struggle to learn everyone’s name. Consider creating a welcome book, including names and photos of family members and a little introduction from everyone. Don’t forget to include your pets and a funny story about them so your foster child feels connected to their new furry friend. You could pop the welcome book in your foster child’s welcome basket or leave it in their room to look at when they’re ready.

Use stickers to ease anxiety

When your foster child arrives, they might have difficulty remembering your name and the house layout as they adjust to their new surroundings and process their situation. To help with this, you could label the doors of each room so they can navigate their way around and wear name tags so they don’t forget your name. You could also use place cards during mealtimes so they know where to sit.

Create a meal plan

Mealtimes can be a source of anxiety for children and young people in foster care. They may have experienced neglect, not knowing when they’d have their next meal, they could have food sensory issues or struggle to try new foods.

You can help your foster child feel welcome and ease concerns about food by creating and displaying a meal plan with timings so they know when their next meal will be and what they’ll eat. Ask your foster child about their favourite meals, and include these in your meal plan so they feel part of the family and know they’ll enjoy their meal. You could also have a box of healthy snacks available for them to dip into throughout the day without needing to ask you first.

Let them personalise their space

Whether you foster a child short-term or long-term, their bedroom will become their safe haven where they can relax, unwind and surround themselves with things that make them feel comfortable. So, although your spare bedroom will need some preparation for their arrival, it’s a good idea to hold off on decorating until your foster child arrives.

One of our foster parents said, ‘Don’t go out and buy bedding and assume that they’ll like whatever it is that you’ve picked. Do all of that once they arrive.’

You could take them on a shopping trip and help them choose the paint colour for their walls and some accessories like bedding. Not only will this help your foster child feel welcome, but it’s also a brilliant opportunity to bond and discover their likes and dislikes.

If you’re fostering a child with disabilities, make sure your house and their room are fit for their needs; for example, if they have sensory issues, their bedroom should be a calm and tranquil place to prevent overstimulation.

Have a family photo

If your foster child feels comfortable with having their photo taken, you could involve them in a family photo and put pictures of them on the walls so they feel like an intricate part of the family. If they are a keen artist or create drawings at school, display them proudly on the fridge to boost their confidence and demonstrate that you’re proud of their creations.

Include them in chores

It may not sound welcoming, but including your foster child in daily chores will give them responsibility and help them feel effective within the family home. If you have other children, it could also put them at ease knowing their new sibling will have to do chores just like them. If you foster a young child, they could help you load the dishwasher, and older children can help with the vacuuming. Create a schedule so they know which chore they are responsible for each day and praise their efforts.

Organise some family activities

Family activities are a lovely way to help your foster child feel welcome and part of the family. When they are settling in, start small by having a game and movie night or walking the dog together. In the summer, you could ask them to help you pick some plants for the garden and spend the day planting them together. Knowing they’ve contributed to your beautiful garden will help them feel at home. As they feel more settled, you could plan a family day out and create lasting memories together.

Talk to other foster families

When you foster with FCA, you’ll be supported by a network of foster families and fostering experts who can provide more guidance on how to welcome a foster child. Our support for children in foster care will help your young person settle in, and they’ll have opportunities to make new friends through our events, activities and support groups.

If you’re thinking about fostering a child and would like more information on preparing for your first foster child or the types of fostering we offer, enquire today.

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How to manage your child’s anxiety on Bonfire Night

A time to celebrate together

As the cold nights draw in, many of us are looking forward to an evening of dazzling technicoloured skies, crunchy toffee apples and quality time spent celebrating with family this Bonfire Night.

Some children love nothing more than the magic of fireworks— however, not everyone is comfortable around this night. For some children, especially young children, those with sensory needs, and children living with the effects of trauma, Bonfire Night and other celebrations which involve the use of Fireworks can be overwhelming or frightening.

Let’s take a look at some ways to be mindful of your foster child’s needs this Guy Fawkes Night, and some tips to help you enjoy a fun and safe Bonfire Night at home as a family.

How to enjoy Bonfire Night together as a family

Talk about the event in advance

Prepare your young person for Bonfire Night by ensuring they know when the event will be happening, as well as what to expect. Ask them about their feelings and how they’d like to celebrate this year.

Perhaps they’re eager to go to their first fireworks display, or maybe they’d feel better watching from the house while the night sky lights up outside your window. Whatever you decide to do, talk your child through a clear plan of how you’ll be celebrating as a family.

Learn together

Discovering the history behind Bonfire Night can be a great way to help your young person understand the tradition and can be a great way of celebrating from home. BBC Bitesize has some really great resources and activities to help you learn about Bonfire Night together.

If you enjoy getting crafty, you could instead create a beautiful art project together. Our favourite Bonfire Night art projects for kids include painting a fireworks display using blow pens and glitter, or making a firework-themed sensory ribbon ring toy.

Celebrate in your own way

There are no rules when it comes to how you and your family celebrate Bonfire Night. If you’d prefer to stay indoors and have a cosy autumn night in, that’s a perfectly valid choice. There are plenty of fun traditions you can enjoy inside your home, including apple bobbing and toasting marshmallows— or you could invent some new traditions of your own, like building a blanket fort or having a movie night!

Prepare a calming bedtime routine

Whether your child is excited or uncertain about Bonfire Night, everyone in your household will likely experience a disturbed sleep, whether than be because of noise, excitement, staying up late to celebrate or anxiety. It’s important to wind down before bed to make sure everyone can get good quality rest and feel refreshed the next morning.

You could spend some quality time with your foster child by doing something calming like colouring or watching a show together while enjoying a warm drink before bed. Items like noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys or a weighted blanket can also help to bring comfort to your young person before bedtime.

If your young person is anxious about sleeping alone through the night, you could help to ease their discomfort by practising mindful breathing with them before bedtime, reading to them until they fall asleep, ensuring they have their favourite cuddly toy and a night-light, and by sitting outside of their bedroom door until they fall asleep.

Keep your pets safe on Bonfire Night

If you have family pets, one way to help ease your child’s anxiety around Bonfire Night is to let them know that pets can get nervous and scared around fireworks, too. Pets are wonderful companions for foster children, and knowing that their furry friends might be sharing their emotions can help children to normalise how they’re feeling and feel less alone.

Perhaps you could ask your foster child to take on the responsibility of caring for your pets for the night. ‘Gamifying’ the evening in this way can be a great distraction and may help them to feel more brave as they redirect their focus to ensuring your family pets are feeling safe and loved. Comforting cuddles aren’t just good for your pets— they can be hugely comforting to your foster child, too!

Top tips for a successful Bonfire Night at home

If you choose to have a celebration at home by setting off fireworks in your back garden, here are some more ways in which you can ensure that everyone has a safe, fun night.

Firework safety.

Ensuring that every member of your family is aware of how to stay safe around fireworks is extremely important, whether you’re lighting a Catherine wheel at home or heading out to watch a professional firework display. Follow instructions carefully and never allow children near fireworks. Never attempt to relight a ‘dud’ firework, and ensure that fireworks are properly disposed of after use.

Always buy your fireworks from verified retailers, such as a pop-up fireworks shop or your local supermarket. Firework selection boxes are a great value option for families, and will be more varied and long-lasting than buying individually priced larger items. Once purchased, store fireworks in their original packaging, somewhere dry, away from heat sources and locked away from children.

Buy your fireworks in advance.

Retailers will usually begin popping up a week or two before Bonfire Night. Small items, like sparklers and low-noise kits, are the most sought after. We recommend that you buy them early— if you head to the shops for these in-demand items on November 4th, there’s a good chance you’ll leave disappointed!

Invest in low-noise options.

Low-noise fireworks kits are a great low-cost and kid-friendly way of introducing fireworks to your foster children. Catherine wheels, sparklers and fountains all allow for a beautiful light display without overly distressing sounds. Many retailers also offer barcodes you can scan before purchasing, so you can show your little one what to expect and help to ease any nerves.

Keep warm.

Blankets, jumpers and cosy items are all essentials on Bonfire Night; just be sure to keep them well away from any potential sources of ignition!

Keep pets inside.

RSPCA guidance reminds us all that pets should be kept inside on Bonfire Night, with small pets and cats usually prefer to be left alone with regular check-ins, whereas dogs might be more sociable and might be distracted from the noise with toys and lots of affection.

Stock up on yummy treats— or make your own!

No Bonfire Night is complete without some tasty treats. Campfire-style baked potatoes, candy apples and yummy bonfire toffees are all classics on Guy Fawkes Night. Toasty hot chocolates will help to keep you and the family warm— don’t forget the marshmallows!

Take things at your child’s pace.

If you believe the child in your care is becoming overwhelmed, have somewhere quiet prepared with some comforts to help calm and reassure them. If you decide to celebrate outside the family home by attending a local bonfire or fireworks display, have a plan to remove your young person from the situation just encase it becomes too much.

Remember, remember…

However you choose to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night, you should make the night your own in whatever way feels comfortable for you and your foster children. Whether that means marvelling at a local firework’s display or watching from the windows with a comforting cup of hot chocolate, from everybody here at FCA, we’re wishing you a safe and fun Bonfire Night!

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Common challenges that foster parents may encounter

Life of a Foster Parent

At first glance, a day in the life of a foster parent may look similar to that of parents bringing up children of their own; from school drop-offs to after-school activities, there is never a dull moment. Fostering is rewarding but comes with unique challenges. Whether it be behaviour, family time arrangements or saying goodbye, here are our tips for managing and overcoming foster parent challenges.

Adapting to a New Family Dynamic

When you welcome a child into your home, there will be a period of adjustment for the whole family. Not only must you adapt to having another person in your home, but your schedule will change to include school drop-offs, meetings, appointments, contact arrangements and any specialist services you access to support the child you foster.

Your foster child will need time to settle in and could feel particularly anxious and frightened about living with a new family. If you live in a different area to their birth family, they will need time to get to know the area and adjust to life without seeing them every day.

Our tips for adapting to a new family dynamic and helping your foster child settle in:

  • Create a routine – routine offers stability to the children you care for, alleviating anxiety because they know what to expect. For you as a foster parent, a solid routine and organised calendar can help you feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your schedule.
  • Personalise their bedroom – when a child moves in, you will have already prepared their bedroom, but to help them feel more comfortable and at home, let them personalise it with a colour theme and furnishings so it really feels like theirs. Shopping for their bedroom and decorating it together will help you to get to know each other.
  • Likes and dislikes – Learning a child’s preferences will demonstrate you care about them as an individual and can help avoid challenging scenarios, such as preparing a meal they won’t eat or organising an activity they won’t participate in.
  • Chore chart – don’t be afraid to ask your foster child to do chores like feeding the dog or washing up. Not only will this reduce your workload and encourage a sense of responsibility, but doing chores like every other family member will ensure they know they are part of the family.
  • Family fun – take a break from your to-do list and plan a day trip, attend an event, or organise an activity to bond as a family and make new positive memories.
  • Give them space – when your foster child first comes to live with you, they may miss their family and struggle to open up to you. Give them time and space to familiarise themselves with their new situation, letting them know you are there for them when they are ready to talk.
  • Tap into support – at FCA, you won’t walk your fostering journey alone; you’ll receive support from your supervising social worker, experienced foster parents, fostering specialists and more. We also operate a 24/7 helpline, so day or night, you can count on us.

Discover how fostering will affect your finances

Don’t let finances be the barrier to starting your fostering journey, discover our essential guide to allowances, tax, National Insurance and claiming benefits whilst fostering.

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Managing Behaviour

Whether it be anger outbursts or a refusal to go to school, when you foster a child, they may exhibit behaviour that you find challenging. Many children in care are living with trauma due to adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse and neglect. Childhood trauma has a significant effect on a child’s well-being and can impact their behaviour and ability to regulate their emotions.

At FCA, we believe in therapeutic fostering, a holistic approach that puts children at the centre of their care and surrounds them with specialist support, including trauma-informed foster parents. Our training for foster parents will equip you to look beyond and understand a child’s behaviour so you can provide appropriate support, manage behaviour and help children heal from their trauma.

When you join FCA, you become part of a community of fostering professionals who dedicate their lives to improving the outcomes for children and young people in care. Our Team Parenting model ensures you have access to therapists, educational advisors, social workers, and more when and if needed. We also host peer support groups, family events and activities where you can build connections, share experiences and hone your skills.

Our tips for managing behaviour:

  • Make the most of training – we provide the training, but it is up to you to be present, take notes and ask questions.
  • Reach out for support – if you need advice, reach out to friends you’ve made in the peer support groups; they may be able to recommend strategies that have worked for them. You can also talk to your supervising social worker, who can help you access further training and specialist support.
  • Slow down – when your foster child expresses big feelings, slow down your response. PACE, which stands for Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy, is a fantastic tool that helps you respond thoughtfully to big feelings rather than react. It means being curious about what’s upsetting your foster child, accepting the reason behind their behaviour and showing empathy by working through it together.

Nurturing Academic Growth

As a foster parent, you’ll be responsible for nurturing your foster child’s academic growth whilst they are living with you. For children living with trauma, however, school can be a triggering and anxiety-inducing place. They may struggle to regulate their emotions and find the classroom overwhelming. They may be behind their peers at school due to the impact trauma has on cognitive function and have difficulties making friends and interacting with teachers due to mistrust. These factors can make nurturing their academic growth challenging.

Our tips for nurturing academic growth:

  • Talk to them – if your foster child is skipping school or exhibiting big feelings about going to school, talk to them. Try to find out why they don’t want to attend so you can create a plan to support them.
  • Talk to the school – ask the school if there are any reasonable adjustments they can make to help your foster child feel safe in the school environment. If they fall behind, see if the school offers after-school homework clubs or one-to-one tutoring.
  • Set expectations – work with your foster child to set an achievable goal. For example, if they have been skipping school, the goal could be to attend three days a week, and this could increase as time goes on.
  • Homework – make completing homework part of your foster child’s routine. If you have emails to catch up on or admin to do, work alongside your foster child so you are available to help them if and when needed.
  • Activities – extra-curricular activities and school trips give children a break from the classroom and an opportunity to learn subjects differently. Encourage your foster child to attend; they may discover a new passion.
  • Education support – from education-specific training to supporting children with transitions to secondary school, our education leads are prepared to help you and your foster child get the most out of their education.

Navigating Family Time

Whether you are short-term fostering a child or long-term, the goal of many placements is reunification with their birth families. Facilitating family time will be part of your role and can sometimes be challenging. Your foster child may regress after seeing their family or feel upset that they can’t spend more time with them. Some families will be grateful that you are looking after their child, while others may seem resentful.

Our tips for navigating family time:

  • Listen to your foster child; they may have mixed emotions about seeing their family. If they are anxious, focus on the positives, such as playing with their pets and remind them that you will be by their side throughout.
  • Give your foster child time to process their feelings before and after seeing their family, assessing whether you and your social worker need to review their contact plan.
  • Preparation is key to making the most of family time, so ensure your foster child knows where and when they will see their family. You could mark it on a household calendar and encourage them to prepare a letter or drawing to take with them.
  • Plan an activity for the same day in case plans fall through or if their family are a no-show.
  • Ensure you communicate with your supervising social worker about any venue or time changes for family time.
  • If tensions arise during family time, stay calm and use your training to manage the situation.

Saying Goodbye

When you welcome a child into your home and spend time nurturing a relationship with them, it can be hard to say goodbye when the placement ends. Whether your foster child is returning to their birth family or leaving care, they may also feel a sense of loss because you’ve become a place of safety for them.

Our tips for saying goodbye:

  • Talk to your foster child about the upcoming changes. Ask them how they are feeling and spend some time reflecting on the journey you have been on together.
  • Give your foster child something to remember you by, such as a photo album or scrapbook of your time together.
  • Plan a day out, a fun activity or a special meal to celebrate their new chapter.
  • Lean on other foster parents for support. We also provide aftercare support groups where you can share thoughts and feelings about your foster child moving on.
  • Remember that even if your foster child was only with you for a short time, you have made a lasting positive difference in their lives.

If you’d like to make a difference to children in care by becoming a foster parent and would like advice on the application process or challenges you could face, get in touch.

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Preparing your foster child for secondary school

9 Tips for Guiding Your Foster Child into Secondary School

Navigating feelings around moving schools

It’s normal to feel nervous about moving to a new school. Secondary school comes with lots of changes and unfamiliar situations as your young person navigates making new friends, exploring their independence and achieving in class.

For looked after children, this transition can be an even bigger source of worry; the young person in your care has likely already experienced a great deal of change in their young lives, moving between homes or perhaps even schools, and may have a fear of change. Check out our tips below on how to help your young person to navigate this big transition and thrive at their new school.

Talk about their new school

The most effective way of easing your young person’s nerves around changing schools is perhaps the most simple. Young people may be feeling a range of emotions, including anxious, worried, or excited.

Talk with them about how they’re feeling and reassure them that it’s perfectly normal. Reassure them that everyone their age making the change from year 6 to year 7 will likely be feeling a similar way. It can be a great idea to encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling with their peers, or with a child in your circle who has recently made the same transition from primary to secondary school. Talking about how we’re feeling can often go a long way towards helping us feel better.

FCA’s guide to preparing for secondary school is a great resource for kids who are preparing to make this big transition. Why not share our workbook with them and use it as a jumping off point for a discussion?

Practice their new routine

Your young person may be nervous if they will be travelling to and from school alone for the first time. You can help them to feel more confident by practicing the school route with them so that they know where they have to be and when. Ensure that they have a copy of their bus timetable or a map of their route, either on their phone or on paper.

You can help them to be prepared for their new routine by helping them to decide things in advance, such as what time they’ll need to wake up by and whether they’ll take a packed lunch or get food from the school cafeteria. Make sure that they have all of the essentials well in advance, such as a uniform, stationary set and bags for carrying their daily essentials and PE kit. Trying on their full uniform and breaking in new shoes before the big day can help to ensure that they’re comfortable.

Check out FCA’s guide to establishing a new school routine with your young person.

Download our Transfer Guide

Download the FCA’s guide to transferring foster agencies. Find out more on how to transfer to a different fostering agency and the process involved.

Download

Get to know their teachers

It’s important to get to know the team who’ll be involved in supporting your young person and learn what support the school has put in place for care experienced children. This could include meeting their form teacher, their head of year, and the school’s counsellor or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator).

Your young person’s social worker will arrange a personal education plan (PEP) meeting with the school to make arrangements to support your young person’s education and wellbeing. Generally, PEP meetings are reviewed twice a year to ensure your young person is getting the right support for them.

Support their independence

The change from primary to secondary school gives children a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and begin exploring their independence. As well as potentially travelling to school by themselves, they will be expected to become more proactive in the classroom through independent learning activities, revision and managing their homework.

You can support them to do this by ensuring that they have a calm and dedicated space in their room to study and by helping them out with their work when they need extra help. You could also encourage them to sign themselves up for extracurricular activities during lunch or after class— a great way of discovering something new about themselves and making friends!

Making friends

Making new friends is often the most nerve-racking parts of starting at a new school, particularly for children who are shy or who may be attending a different school from their usual circle of friends. Reassure your young person that the best thing they can be is themselves. By trying their best to be open, approachable and brave enough to start a conversation, they’re sure to meet people who would love to call them a friend. Check out FCA’s practical tips on how to make new friends at a new school.

Be ready to listen

It’s important to pay extra care and attention to how your child is feeling in the run up to moving to their new school and in those first few weeks once they’ve transitioned. Find opportunities to chat, engage in active listening and take their concerns seriously. Things which may seem trivial as an adult, such as a falling out between classmates or a lesson which they really dislike, may be causing them a lot of distress.

While it’s normal to see some behaviour changes as your young person adjusts to their new school and find their place among their peers, be alert to long lasting or significant changes. Even if they assure you that everything is going great at their new school, their body language or changes in their mood and behaviour may say otherwise. Talk to your child, their social worker, their teachers or their GP if you have any concerns about their mental wellbeing.

Achieving together

Remember that with FCA, there’s always someone on hand to support you and the children in your care. We offer plenty of support tailored to looked after young people, and we work in collaboration with AQA’s Unit Award Scheme and the Duke of Edinburgh Award to support children in their education.

By working collaboratively with the best interests of children always at the forefront, we can help the child in your care to succeed at their new school and go on to achieve great things.

Interested in learning more about fostering? Enquire with us today or learn more about the great range of educational support which we offer to young people.

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Back to school routine

How to help children adjust to a new school routine

As the six-week holidays draw to a close, you may be worried about the possibility of your foster child struggling to settle in at school. Whether transitioning to secondary school or moving up a year group in the same school, here are our tips on how to help your child settle into a new school routine.

Why is routine important for a child in school?

When children know what to expect each day, it can ease anxiety and create a sense of stability. For children in care who have experienced abuse, neglect and the upheaval of moving homes, routine is even more crucial. It helps them feel safe, confident and in control of their environment because they know you’ll meet their needs.

Routine ensures that children get enough rest alongside teaching them life skills such as time management, organisation and responsibility. Schools are also built on routine, from bi-weekly timetables to set lunch times; they expect children to adhere to a routine in the school environment. So what better way to help children prepare for this than by creating a solid before and after school routine?

Building a before and after-school routine

Over the past six weeks, you may have relaxed your routine or created one specific to the summer holidays, including later wake-up times and days out. Even if you had a good routine before the school holidays, it’s still worth updating, especially if your young person is transitioning to secondary school.

Spend time building your family’s new routine with the child in your care, discussing possible bedtimes, wake-up times and time spent doing the things they love.

You could create a school morning routine list, including essential tasks like brushing their teeth, making their bed and getting dressed, along with the time needed to complete them. If they enjoy screen time before school, add this to the list so they know they’ll have time to relax before heading to school.

You could also create an after-school routine chart, including homework, after-school activities and evening meal times. Once the routine is established, you can display it on the fridge or in your young person’s bedroom so they can tick tasks off as they complete them. Over time, a natural rhythm will set in, and your updated routine will become the new normal.

Tips for helping a child settle into school

Not many children jump for joy at the idea of returning to school after the summer holidays, but for children in care who are living with trauma, the change could feel even more unsettling. From meeting new teachers and making new friends to keeping up with their peers academically, school life can be anxiety-inducing. So, here are our tips for helping children settle into school after the holidays and adjust to their new routine.

Talk about how they’re feeling

Start a conversation with the child in your care about returning to school. You can make the chat feel less intense by approaching the topic whilst doing something else together, such as cooking. If the child is young, you could use an emotions chart with faces, encouraging them to choose the face that most accurately represents their internal feelings about returning to school.

They might be worried about how to make new friends at school, or if they are moving schools, nervous about finding their way around. Whatever their concerns, demonstrate that you understand and are there for them by coming up with a solution together.

Use a curious approach, gauging how they really feel by observing their body language and tone of voice alongside asking leading questions that require more than a yes or no answer. If they aren’t ready to engage in conversation, their behaviour may change as term time draws near, so it’s important to pay attention and ensure they know that you are ready to listen if they want to talk.

Make preparations together

Preparing for the new school term together may help ease your child’s anxieties because they’ll feel more confident and in control.

How to start prepping in advance:

  • Take your child on a shopping trip to get their school essentials. You could let them pick a new lunch box, backpack and water bottle so they’ll be eager to use them on the first day of term.
  • Start implementing their new routine a few days before term starts, for example, by ensuring they go to bed earlier and wake up at the time required when school recommences.
  • If they are moving to a new school, use the school website to research their teacher’s names, term dates and extra-curricular activities. You may also be able to download and print a school map to help them find their way around.
  • If they’re going to travel to school independently, trail run their walking or bus route together.
  • If they’re worried about making friends, help them practice talking about themselves and their interests.

Build some excitement

Returning to school can be a nerve-wracking time, but it can also be an exciting time full of opportunities. If the child in your care is returning to the same school, remind them that they’ll get to spend lots of time with their friends. There may also be a school trip specific to their year group and extra-curricular activities they can get stuck into. If they’re moving schools, talk to them about the opportunities they’ll have to make friends and, if transitioning to secondary school, the extra independence they’ll gain.

Develop a relationship with the school

If you haven’t already, now’s the time to develop a relationship with your foster child’s school so you know they’ll feel safe and have the same opportunities as children not living in care. Arrange a meeting with the school to discuss any concerns and see what reasonable adjustments can be made for your foster child so they can make the most out of their school experience.

At FCA, we offer education support, including training for foster parents on topics like Understanding the Educational System for Looked After Children. You’ll learn about the barriers your foster child faces in education and how to advocate for them so you can ensure their school provides appropriate support.

Access further support

At FCA, our Team Parenting approach makes it easy for you to access tailored support for foster children. So, if they struggle to settle into school or find it difficult to cope with daily life, you can tap into our network of fostering experts for their support.

You can also speak to other foster parents in support groups who may be able to offer advice, and we host activities for the whole family so you can build connections, make friends and have more people to lean on.  From therapy to educational guidance and training on therapeutic parenting that helps you understand trauma, when you foster with FCA, you are fully supported.

Get in touch to discover the positive impact you could have in the lives of children and young people by becoming a foster parent and to learn more about long-term fostering or the other types of fostering we offer.

Are you thinking of fostering?

Download the FCA’s complete beginner’s guide to fostering a child. Find out more on how to foster a child and the process involved.

Download Guide

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Foster Parents Top Tips for Summer Success

Build a Summer Holiday Routine

It can be refreshing to take a break from normality, but for children in care, a lack of routine can induce anxiety and stress. When school finishes for the year, it can be helpful to create a summer holiday routine so the children in your care continue to feel secure.

Having a summer holiday routine doesn’t mean every day will look the same. It means establishing consistent meal times, bedtimes and exercise routines that give children some predictability. Your summer holiday routine could include later wake-up times, a walk in the park and time allocated for independent play. You can then plan fun activities and days out around your summer holiday routine.

During the last week of the summer holidays, you can prepare the children in your care for returning to school by slowly implementing their usual routine.

Make a Plan 

Now that you’ve established a summer holiday routine, the exciting part starts – planning activities, days out and holidays. Making a plan can prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and being stuck for ideas to entertain bored kids on rainy days. It’s a good idea to get the children’s input so you know they’ll enjoy the activities you have planned.

  • Create a budget – spend some time assessing how much you can spend on holidays, activities and days out. You could also involve the children in this process to help them build money-management skills.
  • Research – whether you ask friends and family for ideas or use blog posts like this one, create a list of possible activities and ask the children to pick their favourite. Be sure to include some wet weather activities!
  • Check the weather – although the long-range forecast can quickly change, it is worth using as a guide, so your plans don’t become a washout.
  • Plan for the unexpected – list any unpredictable situations that could arise and impact your plans, such as a child in your care becoming unwell.
  • Create a timetable – use an A3 weekly planner or calendar to timetable activities, no matter how small. For example, you could split the day to include a picnic in the park, crafting, and a film night. If you have picked six days out, split them across the holidays so the family has something to look forward to each week. Don’t forget to include planned meetings and contact arrangements in your timetable.
  • Display the timetable – stick it to the fridge so the children can see their daily activities, and you can remind yourself what you’ve planned.

Summer Holiday Activity Ideas

Whether you stay at home, visit the local community or travel further afield, get your notepad and pen ready; here are our top summer holiday activity ideas.

FCA Activities and Events 

Already fostering with FCA? From family fun days to trips to theme parks, there are plenty of opportunities for your foster child to make friends with children from similar circumstances. They could also use the summer to practice their poetry and photography skills for our competitions or join the regional choir and compete in The Big Sing Off.

Swimming Crash Courses

Leisure centres and private companies operate swimming crash courses for children over the summer so they can learn how to swim. These courses typically run for half an hour a day over a week, helping children gain confidence in the water and learn different swimming strokes.

Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise and a valuable skill that enhances water safety around rivers, lakes and the sea. Learning to swim also gives children the opportunity to participate in water-based activities such as aqua challenges, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

‘Chef’ for the Day

It’s never too early to help the child in your care build skills that will enable them to live independently. One way you can do this is by allowing them to become ‘chef’ for the day. It will be the child’s responsibility to prepare a meal from start to finish, including choosing a recipe, making a list of ingredients they need, purchasing the ingredients and cooking the meal.

To make the cooking part of the process more enjoyable, they could wear a chef’s hat while you act as their sous chef, following directions and helping them. This activity can boost their confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment when the family sits down to enjoy the meal.

Cooling Down

There is nothing like a water fight on a hot summer day or a dunk in a paddling pool. If you have a slope in your back garden, you could make a DIY water slide with plastic sheets and use the washing line as a prop for the hose pipe so there is a continuous stream of water. The whole family can join in, whooshing down the slide. Just ensure that there aren’t any hazards that could lead to injury.

Inland Beaches

If you live inland and don’t fancy travelling hundreds of miles to visit a beach, you’re in luck! Some cities, like Birmingham and Nottingham, create their own beach with deckchairs, funfairs and food vendors so you can enjoy the beach atmosphere without the travel. Some lakes, also have beaches where you can take a picnic, swim and enjoy water sports.

Learn a New Skill 

If the weather is less than pleasant, you could encourage the child in your care to start a summer project and learn a new skill. If they are interested in fashion, they could learn how to sew, spending the summer making a garment of their choice. If they are music-obsessed, they could learn how to play an instrument or mix music using apps and software available online. If they enjoy their summer projects, it could become their hobby and may even lead to a life-long passion.

Get to Know Your Area

Sometimes, you can live in an area for so long that you forget about the beauty spots and interesting sites available on your doorstep. If the child in your care has moved to your area from another location, the summer holidays could be an opportunity to help them get to know where they live.

Visit the library or a local tourist centre to learn about your community’s history and grab a guide to the local area. Guides usually provide information about significant historic buildings and fun facts. You could turn it into a quest, walking from place to place, ending at a beauty spot for a picnic lunch.

Further Resources for Days Out

You can save money by becoming a National Trust or English Heritage member. With membership, you’ll have unlimited access to hundreds of historic sites and places of interest. During the summer holidays, they often host outdoor theatre productions, film screenings and a wide range of activities for the whole family. Days Out With The Kids is another brilliant resource for drumming up ideas for days out; head to the website, type in your postcode, and it’ll show you what’s available in your area.

For more summer holiday activity ideas, talk to foster families in your area; they should be able to make recommendations and may even join you for a fun day out.

Activities for children with disabilities 

If you are fostering a child with disabilities, make sure the activities you have planned are suitable for them. Many organisations will ensure their activities are accessible, and you can use tools such as AccessAble and Euan’s Guide to double-check. Some venues will hold autism-friendly events with their sensory needs in mind. For example, cinemas may have an autism-friendly screening with fewer people, lower lighting, and the volume turned down. If you are concerned about an activity, talk to the provider about any adjustments they can make so your foster child is comfortable and safe.

Taking Foster Children on Holiday

Taking your foster children on holiday is possible, given that you have the right permissions and correct arrangements in place. Holidays give you some quality time to focus on getting to know each other and bonding as a family without the stresses of everyday life. 

If you go abroad, you could have fun practising another language and experiencing another culture. It may be the first time your foster child has visited a different country, making it an educational and unforgettable experience. 

If you stay in the UK, you could immerse yourselves in nature by camping for a few days, which is brilliant for the mental well-being of the whole family. You could go on a beach holiday in Cornwall or climb mountains in the Lake District, whatever you decide, remember to take photos and enjoy every moment of the experience. 

Are you considering a fostering career? Get in touch to learn more about our fostering allowances and the activities we host in your area.

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How Practising Mindfulness Can Benefit Foster Children

Understanding Mindfulness 

When asked about mindfulness, many of us might picture expensive yoga retreats or hour-long sessions of deep, isolated meditation. Many adults, let alone children, may feel that mindfulness is ‘not for them.’

However, there are so many different types of mindfulness. Mindfulness simply means taking the time to be aware of your thoughts, emotions, and your physical body, which can improve our mental state. Mindfulness is a skill which we can practice and perfect over time, can look different for every person, and can benefit us at any age.

How can mindfulness benefit foster children? 

Mindfulness is a great foundational skill which can benefit your foster children throughout their lives. Children are more easily able to learn new skills due to a function of our brains known as Neuroplasticity, which is at its most effective during the first five years of a child’s life.

This means that the earlier we begin learning mindfulness skills, the better— but it’s never too late to get started and experience all of the benefits of mindfulness!

  • Mindfulness promotes healthy self-awareness and understanding of one’s emotions
  • It helps teach children how to self-regulate their emotions
  • Teaches self-acceptance
  • Improves concentration skills
  • Promotes a better connection between mind and body

5 Mindfulness Activities for Children

1) Enjoy nature together 

Being among nature is not only fun and a great way to bond and get physically active, it also has great benefits for our mental health. There are plenty of great activities which can encourage mindfulness, such as bird watching or pond dipping, which encourages children to take some quiet time to enjoy observing creatures in their natural habitat. You might decide to plan a sensory barefoot walk over different surfaces, like grass, twigs, mud, or through a babbling brook— just make sure to check the area first to ensure that the ground is free of any hazards!

You could bring some nature home with you by encouraging your young person to explore the world around them by looking around for interesting shells, feathers or rocks. These can then be used to create a nature-themed sensory bag which they can continue to enjoy. Gardening is another calming mindful activity—why not set aside a place in your garden where your foster child can enjoy learning how to grow flowers, herbs or vegetables?

2) Journaling and colouring 

There are no rules when it comes to journaling— it can be done wherever, at any time of day, and in whatever way a young person chooses. Perhaps the child you’re looking after might enjoy keeping a daily diary to write or draw pictures about their feelings and experiences, or using a paper or digital mood tracker to help them to better understand their emotions.

Other types of drawing such as creating Spirograph’s or drawing mandalas also require quiet concentration and can help with relaxation. Mindfulness colouring is another great option enjoyed by both children and adults. You don’t have to stick to just traditional colouring books, either— you could get crafty with painting by numbers, gem painting or ‘magic’ water painting. Another great benefit of getting crafty is that kids get to enjoy the results of their mindful activity, which can be proudly displayed on the fridge or on a bedroom wall!

3) Take a break from screens 

In today’s day and age many parents find that it’s a struggle to keep children away from screens. However, it’s important to take steps to ensure children’s screen time is healthy. One study found that ‘excessive screen usage has detrimental effects on social and emotional growth’ and can increase the likelihood of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Spending time away from screens enjoying other activities improves children’s focus and concentration skills, which can aid to improve their performance at school and in other areas of life. Some mindful activities which children can enjoy include reading, crafting, writing a poem or story, or taking some time to relax and listen to their favourite music.

4) Explore the sensory world 

Sensory activities are great fun, and they’re also a good way to get in touch with our physical bodies which helps with regulating emotions. There are plenty of options out there for sensory play, including sensory toys such as bubble timers, glitter tubes, kaleidoscopes or rainmakers. You could invest in a sensory projector, which can calm children with a range of entertaining effects including lava lamp projections, stars and aquatic scenes. Weighted blankets and noise-cancelling headphones are also great options.

Sensory experiences don’t have to be expensive; it can be much more fun to create your own sensory toys together! You could have fun theming sensory crafts in all kinds of ways— for example, by crafting a calming shaker jar filled with blue slime, sand and shells for the ocean, or by making a pirate-themed sensory box with ‘treasure’ items such as jewellery and gems hidden beneath the sand for your young person to explore.

5) Meditation designed for children 

Many people assume that meditation is not a good option for younger children, as it can be a lot to expect a child to sit still for a long periods of time. However, meditative practice can take whichever form you and your foster child choose— you could practice deep breathing exercises together on the drive to school, take a moment to listen to the birds while on a walk, or could read an age-appropriate guided meditation to them before bed which is fun and easy to follow along with. Finding little mindful moments throughout the day is a great way to achieve peace of mind.

Another great way to make meditation accessible to children is by introducing them to a guided meditation video. There are lots of bright and colourful guided meditation videos online which are designed specifically for kids, which make meditation fun and interactive. You could also add a physical element to meditation such as stretching, tai chi or yoga, which not only helps to keep kids engaged but also helps to keep them happy and healthy.

Interested in learning more about supporting your foster child’s wellbeing? Check out our blog post on how to support the mental health of children, or explore our kids care hub with for a range of mental health resources designed specifically for looked after young people. 

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Benefits of Having a Dog with Children

Whether you already have a dog or are thinking about making a dog a part of your family, the benefits of having a dog with children may surprise you!

Not only is there nothing like the warm welcome of a dog excited to see you after a long day. But those expressive eyes and wagging tails can change your outlook on life.

6 Benefits of Having a Dog with Children

Unconditional Love

Dogs are the epitome of unconditional love. They are always excited to see you, offer a listening ear and are a comfort through all life’s trials and tribulations. Not only is receiving a dog’s unconditional love a wonderful feeling, but it can also be a support and reassurance to foster children with trauma.

Dogs Encourage Children to Stay Active

Dogs love exercise, and their love of exercise is infectious, which is great for keeping children active. Whether you take a dog on a gentle stroll around the block or for zoomies on the beach, children will love running alongside their furry companion. Dogs can also keep children entertained at home. They can play fetch or set up an obstacle course for their new best friend in the garden.

Dogs Can Teach Children about Responsibility

Dogs can teach children about taking care of others and having responsibility. For younger children, this could mean helping care for your dog by filling up their food and water bowls, and for older children, they could assist in bathing and walking the dog. You could also include your child in dog training, getting them involved in teaching your dog to play fetch or how to sit.

Dogs Can Help Children Make Friends

Dogs can help children to practice making friends and use social skills, such as speaking, empathy and understanding nonverbal communication. They can do this by practising talking to other children with their dog, learning to understand their dog’s needs through nonverbal cues and empathising with their wants and needs. Additionally, dogs are good conversation starters. Other children may also have pets they can’t wait to talk about!

Dog and Child Friendships can Encourage Inclusivity

Children can form profound friendships with dogs. Dog and human relationships are remarkable because they rely solely on empathy, nonverbal communication and mutual respect. We can speak to dogs; they can’t respond with words, but we still understand them. Learning to understand others in this way promotes inclusion and diversity of friendships. Children can harness these skills and bond with those who speak another language or can’t communicate verbally for whatever reason.

Dogs may be the ideal pet for Neurodivergent and Disabled Children

Neurodivergent and disabled children can benefit from dogs in the same way as neurotypical and non-disabled children; however, there are some additional benefits and charities that have been created specifically for this purpose:

  • The Autism Dogs Charity trains dogs for therapy to help neurodivergent children with autism. Trained dogs can stop autistic children from inflicting harm on themselves and calm them down during a meltdown.
  • Dog A.I.D help train dogs to assist disabled adults and children with day-to-day tasks, such as using light switches and closing doors.
  • Guide Dogs make life easier for those who are blind or partially sighted, being the child’s eyes when crossing the road or finding specific items.
  • Hearing Dogs for Deaf People are trained to assist adults and children who are deaf or hard of hearing, alerting their owners of sounds like the doorbell or alarm clock.

Dogs Can Have a Positive Impact on Mental Health

At FCA, we believe in taking a therapeutic approach to foster parenting. Children in care often have trauma from abuse and neglect. Their mental health and well-being are crucial aspects of the therapeutic approach, helping children develop healthy ways to overcome trauma.

Here are a few ways dogs can positively impact your foster child’s mental wellbeing:

  • Spending time with a dog can reduce stress hormones and increase oxytocin levels, positively impacting mental health.
  • Companionship with a dog can reduce feelings of loneliness.
  • The responsibility of a dog can give your children a purpose and sense of achievement, boosting self-esteem.
  • Dogs will encourage your children to get fresh air and exercise; both are crucial for good mental health.
  • Dogs can be a comfort through loss, helping children work through their grief.

Are you thinking of fostering?

Download the FCA’s complete beginner’s guide to fostering a child. Find out more on how to foster a child and the process involved.

Download Guide

At FCA, we know that dogs are part of the family, and the benefits of dogs are extraordinary; however, you still need to take careful consideration when you foster and have a dog.

Some children may have no experience with dogs. Trauma or a bad experience with a dog or other family pet could mean your foster child fears dogs. Your foster child could have allergies, making a dog unsuitable for them. Talk to your supervising social worker before bringing a new dog into your home.

What is a Pet Assessment?

Whether you have a dog or are considering adding a dog to your family, you will complete a pet assessment as part of your health and safety risk assessment and answer additional dog-specific questions. We will also request a reference from your vet; it is best practice to seek information widely. If you have three or more dogs, you will complete a 3+ Dog Risk Assessment and may need a specialist behavioural assessment due to their ‘pack’ instincts.

Banned Breeds

The Dangerous Dog Act 1991 lists the following dogs as banned breeds:

  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Pit Bull Terrier Types – Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Irish Blue or Red Nose and American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro

American Bully XL are banned in England and Wales and will be in Scotland from 31st July 2024.

Our priority is the welfare and safety of the children in your care. For this reason, if you have a dog listed as a banned breed or acquire one whilst already fostering, you must relinquish them to continue fostering.

What is included in the Pet Assessment?

The pet assessment will include questions related to your pet and their upkeep:

  • What types of pets live in your home? Do you have any livestock?
  • Description of your pet – How did you acquire them? What is their typical behaviour and personality like? What is their history?
  • Living arrangements – What areas can they access in the home, and are any parts of the home restricted? What are the feeding arrangements?
  • Health and Hygiene – Are they registered with a vet? Do they receive regular vaccinations and parasite treatments? Where do your pets go to the toilet? If you imported your pet from overseas, you must show evidence of a pet passport.
  • Have you had any investigations or convictions under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) or the Animal Welfare Act (2006)?

Additional questions for owners of Dogs:

  • Is your dog a banned breed?
  • Has your dog ever shown signs of aggression?
  • Is your dog a breed to be cautious of? – Dobermann, Neapolitan Mastiff, German Shepherd, Rottweiler and Japanese Akita.

You will then need to enter the full details of your dog, including their name, breed, routine, training and any contact your dog has had with children. Following this, you will fill out a dog safety checklist with details about behaviour, such as biting, snarling, aggression and their response to crying babies. If you use your home for breeding, grooming or running kennels, you’ll reflect on how this could impact your foster child.

Sometimes, the answers to these questions lead to a specialist behavioural dog assessment to fully clarify if your dog will be safe around children. Your supervising social worker will also include their observations of your pet when they have visited your home, such as behaviours, hygiene and safety.

We know most pet owners are responsible, but for FCA, foster children and young people’s safety and welfare are our primary concern; this is why we require so much detail.

If you have any questions about the pet assessment, contact us or speak to your supervising social worker.

Important things to remember if you decide to get a dog with children

  • Dogs are a commitment and require daily walks, mental stimulation, training, grooming and trips to the vet. If you don’t want this additional responsibility, a dog may not be the right pet for you and your family. Cats require commitment but are more independent than dogs; they could be a good alternative.
  • Never leave a dog alone with a child. Your dog may be friendly and loving towards your child; however, they are animals and can act unexpectedly. It is best not to risk your child’s safety by leaving them alone with a dog.
  • Take time to consider the breed of dog that would be best for your family. Golden retrievers and Labradors, for example, are well-known for having gentle temperaments, lots of energy, and love a good cuddle.
  • Dogs are an additional expense; they need food, toys, regular parasite treatments, vet visits and possibly the occasional kennel boarding. Depending on the breed and history of the dog, you may also need to pay for expert training.

Tips for introducing a dog to a foster child or young person:

  • Talk to your foster child about introducing a dog into your home, allowing them to express their feelings about the prospect.
  • If you visit or are collecting your dog, let your foster child go along so they are part of the process.
  • Introduce the dog and your foster child in a calm and quiet environment, and make sure you supervise their interactions.
  • Don’t force interactions, and make sure the dog doesn’t feel trapped by discouraging hugging and leaving the dog space to move away if they are unhappy.
  • Your foster child could offer the dog a treat or a toy to play with to help them bond.
  • Help your foster child understand that they must leave the dog alone when the dog is eating or sleeping.

The Dog’s Trust offers a free virtual course called ‘Living Happily Together’. The course teaches you how to read your dog’s body language, gain practical advice about child safety and unsafe behaviour with dogs and consider a routine that helps the dog integrate into the family.

If you are fostering or contemplating fostering and have any questions or concerns about having pets with children, please get in touch or talk to your supervising social worker.

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Why Creative Play is Important to Child Development

Whether you are a foster parent or are thinking about fostering, you may ask yourself, ‘How can I encourage my foster child’s development’?

Our answer: creative play!

Fostering with the FCA means you are not alone on your fostering journey. You’re part of a community dedicated to improving outcomes for all our foster children and young people. We understand that children with complex pasts need time to heal through therapy and other innovative means.

Creative play helps build the foundations for a child’s emotional, motor and problem-solving skills. Not only that, creative play can be a fundamental part of therapy for trauma and attachment, along with supporting those who have special educational needs and disabilities.

Creative play comes in a variety of forms, from painting to playing instruments and from dancing to baking. With so many options, play is an easy way to encourage your foster child’s development and strengthen your bond.

What is creative play in child development?

From the moment a child is born, they are absorbing their surroundings. Their senses are helping them to understand the world. Creative play starts here. When a child looks at a mobile, respond to your voice or makes seemingly random movements, they are beginning to learn through play. When they are toddlers, they may respond non-verbally by swaying to music or laughing. As they grow, they may act out stories and become storytellers themselves.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework explains that children can react to creative play emotionally, physically, socially, culturally or a combination of these, learning and discovering through play. Creative play is about giving your foster child the freedom to express themselves.

Things to consider when you are engaging a child in creative play:

  • There should be no set goal; creative play encourages freedom.
  • Value your foster child’s vision and contribution; there is no right way to be creative.
  • Give your foster child enough time and space to explore and experiment; they may prefer one type of creative play over another.
  • Nurture their curiosity and creativity so they’ll be passionate about engaging in creative play regularly.

Types of play in child development

There are numerous types of play in child development; they often encompass each other, and the benefits overlap. Play can happen inside the home, outside or at another venue.

  • Physical play encourages children to get active and enhance motor skills. They could play hide and seek or use a hula hoop.
  • Sensory play stimulates the senses and is brilliant for supporting autistic children to process sensory information. Baking, water play and interacting with nature are accessible sensory activities.
  • Role play in child development can aid children in practising their social skills through real-life scenarios like going to the doctor’s or supermarket.
  • Imaginative play gives children the freedom to use their imaginations to create stories. They could have magical powers and bring their toys into their imaginary world to process trauma.
  • Arts and Crafts play lets children create anything they want using various materials. It provides a safe place for children to express their emotions and builds the foundations for a love of creation.

Benefits of play in child development

Tips to help introduce your foster child to creative play

FCA celebrates play; however, some children may initially find creative play overwhelming due to trauma or a lack of experience in play. They may not know how to react to new toys or arts and crafts materials, so here are some tips for introducing creative play to your foster children:

  • Start slowly, introducing various methods of play in stages.
  • If your foster child has never experienced play, too much choice could leave them feeling overwhelmed, so it’s ideal for them to pick a toy from a small selection.
  • Give your foster child praise for playing; hopefully, this will motivate them to play again.
  • If your foster child has a favourite TV programme, you can relate your creative play to this, for example, by re-enacting scenes and scenarios from the TV show.
  • Join in and demonstrate to your foster child how to play.
  • Encourage your foster child to spend time with other children; watching other children play could help your foster child learn how to play.
  • Read to your foster child; stories will help their imagination grow.
  • To help your foster child role play, take them to the supermarket or a local coffee shop to give them real-life scenarios to practice.

If you would like any further guidance, our therapy service is available to support both you and your foster child. The service will help you better understand your foster child and will deliver additional support to assist you on your fostering journey.

Creative play starts young, but there is no upper age limit. The FCA hosts events to promote creativity in all ages, such as family fun days and charity art workshops. If you are already fostering or are thinking about fostering, contact us for more information on the events happening in your area.

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Ways to Effectively Communicate with Your Foster Child

At FCA we recognise the importance of considering children’s individual needs when we communicate with them. As adults, it’s important that we keep alert to what factors may be influencing our ability to have rewarding conversations with young people so that we can encourage them to feel safe and supported when expressing themselves.

Here we’ll explore five key skills you can use to help you to communicate effectively and sensitively with your foster children.

5 Ways to Effectively Communicate with Your Foster Child

  1. Identify Barriers to Communication

    It’s important to take note of if there are any potential barriers when communicating with your foster child. Barriers can be environmental, such as finding a safe space to talk rather than a crowded area when having sensitive discussions. They can also be cultural, such as if a child’s first language is different from our own. They may be physical, such as if a child has a hearing impairment. They can also be developmental. For example, if a child in your care has a learning difference or is non-verbal, you might decide to introduce them to Makaton sign language and embark upon the exciting journey of learning sign together. Recognising and accommodating your child’s individual needs is a fantastic way of breaking down any barriers you might have to communication.

  2. Use Open Body Language

    It’s important to be mindful of your body language when communicating with children. Certain types of body language can feel intimidating, especially to little ones. For example, if you stand over a small child, they may feel somewhat unsafe. Instead, kneel to a small child’s level if you are able to. This helps them to feel more comfortable, improves eye contact and can be beneficial to their overall engagement in the conversation.

    For another example of how body language can have an impact on a child’s willingness to communicate, let’s consider folded arms. This often unconscious gesture can give your foster child the impression that you are disinterested in hearing what they have to say, or that you are annoyed or angry with them. Having a relaxed, open posture and a friendly smile can go a long way towards having rewarding conversations with your foster child.

  3. Show Your Interest

    Being engaged in a conversation is another great way to improve your communication with your foster child. You should always be sure to show interest in their day-to-day lives by asking them about their day and taking a keen interest in their hobbies. This not only strengthens your relationship, but it also teaches your foster child that you care deeply for them. By showing interest in the little things, you show them that you are a safe person to open up to about any challenges they may face, now or in the future.

  4. Engage in Active Listening

    Another way to communicate effectively and sensitively with children is by giving your full attention when they are speaking with you. Limit distractions during conversations, such as by silencing your phone or finding a quiet place to talk. Try to avoid interrupting or finishing your foster child’s sentences for them. It’s important to be patient and considerate of what kind of tone you are using. You should be sure to use words that your foster child can understand. When your foster child has finished sharing, you can show that you have are invested in what they have today by asking more questions and encouraging them to share more if they want to.

  5. Knowing Your Foster Child

    Here at FCA, we use a careful matching process to help ensure that you and your foster child are a great fit for one another. As you learn and grow together, you may find that it takes some intuition to recognise which of these communication skills are best suited to your family. For example, when it comes to body language, kneeling when talking with a slightly older child may feel condescending. While good eye contact is generally recommended, many children are uncomfortable with prolonged eye contact. You may find that some children feel more able to open up to you while in a relaxed environment which doesn’t require lots of eye contact, such as while driving to school or doing the washing up together.

    While it’s important to show an active interest in your child’s day, some children may find that being asked lots of questions as soon as they get home from school feels overwhelming, or like an invasion of their personal space. Some children benefit from time alone to relax after a stimulating day, such as by playing video games or taking time to do their homework in a quiet space. You may find that they’re much more eager to talk once they’ve had time to decompress from their day. By taking the time to really get to know your foster child, you can tailor your communication practices to best suit them.

At FCA, we aim to provide plenty of resources for foster parents and children, including hosting support groups for both children and adults and our Young People’s Forum. You can learn more about the support we offer here.

If you care passionately about improving the lives of children, you could be the ideal candidate to become a foster parent. To learn more about how to make fostering your career, join us for one of our virtual information sessions.

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Supporting the emotional needs of children in your care

Meeting the emotional needs of children encourages positive emotional and behavioural development. In this blog, we’ll explore exactly what those critical emotional needs of children are, how they impact emotional development in early childhood, and what parents and carers can do to create healthy foundations for children to thrive.

Children are impacted by their parents and carers’ ability to satisfy their emotional needs. This can shape their entire perception of the world and will impact their internal representation of themselves and others, the way they interact with others, and the way they cope with stress.

When parents and carers meet the emotional needs of children, they help create a healthy foundation for them to thrive.

However, if the emotional needs of a child go unmet, they may go on to experience:

  • Harsh perception of self
  • Emotional numbness of feelings and emptiness
  • Difficulty in asking for help and trusting others
  • Chronic feelings of guilt and shame
  • Difficulty expressing emotions

Emotional needs of children in care

Additional support for foster children is vital – care experienced children have greater emotional needs and more behavioural barriers to overcome than children from conventional families. This is because children in care may have experienced familial abuse, rejection, disruption, and loss. Whatever the reason, they all need support, patience, and empathy to help their emotional development.

When behaviour is rooted in trauma, sensory issues or unmet physical or complex emotional needs; fear, punishment or reward-based techniques are likely to produce only a temporary change. That’s why learning to decode the behaviour, and identifying which needs are driving it can be extremely helpful in creating long term change.

So, let’s look at what these key emotional needs are…

The 6 emotional needs of children

There are 6 emotional basic needs of a child, which when met, provide the foundations of healthy emotional development in early childhood:

  • Safety
  • Connection
  • Acceptance
  • Significance
  • Autonomy
  • Respect

Below, we’ll explore each of these different emotional needs, and how you can support the healthy development for children and young people in your care.

Safety

Emotional safety is the container that holds the space for children to feel, to be curious and explore, to care and to emerge as their unique selves. As the parent/foster parent, you are often the child’s primary source for connection, so it’s vital that they feel safe in your care.

Of course, safety doesn’t always equate to ensuring no physical harm comes to a child, it’s also about ensuring the emotional safety of a child in your care.

For example, if a child breaks or loses their favourite toy and they are upset, instead of trivialising this upset, give them a safe space to accept and work through their feelings. As adults we might rush to say, “oh well, it doesn’t matter”, and try and move on quickly, but instead it’s important not to minimise what is a big deal for them.

Instead try saying: “I can see you are sad, let’s have a hug and how about playing with something different?” That way within your interaction they have felt validated, and safe to acknowledge and work through their feelings.

For care experienced children and young people, the care system can be a contributing factor to their lack of emotional safety. For example, a child might anticipate placement endings, school changes, household rule changes, fear of being accepted and new environments.

It is when children don’t feel safe that they cannot thrive, and it can have the following impact on their emotional development:

  • Lack of trust in others
  • Feelings of low importance
  • Feeling like their needs don’t matter, may self-neglect their needs as they get older
  • Feeling detached and withdrawn
  • Lack of confidence
  • No resilience and tolerance to stress
  • An ability to ask for help

Connection

Physical proximity doesn’t mean connection. Love doesn’t mean connection. There are two types of connection: the overall connection within the relationship and moment to moment connection. Connection is established when you are interested and present in the moment.

When a child feels disconnected, they may tune out, ignore you, and display defying behaviours which you as the parent interpret as misbehaviour. Instead of showing frustration at this behaviour, try and re-establish connection by being present and showing interest. This could be uninterrupted tine such as reading to your child, and exploring play therapy together, or taking the time to craft together or try and new activity.

If a child doesn’t have their emotional need for connection met it could cause the following in their later life:

  • Low self-worth
  • Looking to others for acceptance
  • Struggle to communicate in future relationships
  • Difficulty in forming new relationships
  • Feeling like people are not interested or that nobody cares
  • Struggle to ask for help from others when going through difficulties

Acceptance

Accepting a child involves being able to see and acknowledge their uniqueness without feeling the need to change it. This doesn’t mean that we don’t strive to guide them and shape their behaviour, it means we accept and validate their unique personality, and love them for being them.

Fulfilling the need for acceptance does not mean we have to give them what they want all the time, we just instead must accept that they may want it. Take for instance a situation where your child is continually asking for something, and you roll your eyes or simply ignore them. This can cause feelings of rejection where the child doesn’t feel good enough and in turns leads to attention-seeking behaviour that comes from the lack of acceptance.

Significance

Significance refers to feeling important, and of value. We all seek to be effective in life and in our relationships, sometimes we fulfil this need ourselves, but sometimes we look to others to reaffirm it to us. The latter is even more likely in care experience children – who are more likely to look to others to reaffirm their level of significance.

When a child does not feel that they matter to their parents/foster family, they can resort to seeking destructive means to fulfil their needs and manage their emotions.

That’s why it’s important to ensure your child feels listened to and loved, and to believe there is someone who will be there for them no matter what and values who they are.

Autonomy

Autonomy refers to feeling empowered to make our own decisions and emerges in young children between 18 months and three years old. Children need to feel in control of their lives, and it is important to provide them with age-appropriate choices without fear of reprisal.

However, it can be tricky to get the balance of giving too much choice to the children in your care vs. not enough. It’s providing a level of freedom that doesn’t equate to no boundaries, instead it’s about finding that space in the middle.

An example of this is giving them a choice of what they would like for breakfast, e.g. toast or cereal? You are still sticking to your boundaries of providing appropriate mealtime choices, but by offering that choice between the two, children can feel they are in control and less likely to refuse eating altogether.

By not ensuring this basic need of a child is met, it could lead to the following:

  • Not being able to trust their own judgements
  • Inability to make decisions
  • A struggle to form their own sense of their own identify
  • Undermining of self-reliance
  • Putting other’s opinion above their own
  • A delay in problem solving abilities
  • Feels of being overwhelmed
  • Feeling unsure and afraid to make mistakes

Respect

It’s often a cultural misconception that children who fear their parents will respect them. It’s easy to confuse the term respect with fear-based obedience in a child towards an authority figure. We might see compliance born out of fear, but that is not respect. Respect is accepting somebody for who they are and their actions, even when you are different to them and may not always agree.

As an example, say you answer your phone and start texting when in the middle of your child sharing something important, this shows a lack of respect for them and in turn could result in the child feeling invisible or worthless.

In meeting all these emotional needs of the children in your care, patience and consistency are key.

For foster children, we can’t erase old trauma or remove all possibility of future trauma, but we can build emotional skills and cognitive buffers and help children form better internal representations of themselves and the world.

It’s important to remember that when you’re a foster parent with FCA, you are never caring for a child alone. You’ll have an entire network of support at your fingertips, around the clock, including a dedicated social worker, support groups, and full training for foster parents.

Whilst our Team Parenting offers a therapeutic fostering approach, with childcare experts who all work together to look after every area of a child’s wellbeing.

Are you thinking of fostering?

Download the FCA’s complete beginner’s guide to fostering a child. Find out more on how to foster a child and the process involved.

Download Guide

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Welcoming a Foster Child Into Your Family

How to make welcoming a child into your home incredibly special

So, you’ve decided to welcome a foster child into your home. This is wonderful and a choice you should feel very excited about. However, the next step starts now – it’s time to prepare your home and your life to make a difference in a child’s life. Every child deserves and needs a safe space to call their own, where they feel unconditional support and love. Luckily, there is a range of ways you can make your home the best space for your foster child.

Below are six tips for welcoming a foster child into your home for the first time. These tips not only provide practical considerations for your house but also emotional considerations.

Welcoming a Foster Child Into Your Home

6 Tips for Welcoming a Foster Child Into Your Family

1. Prepare Their Space

Welcoming a foster child into your home is the same process as welcoming a child – you need to establish a safe space where they feel at home and feel like it is truly theirs. Foster children require a bedroom; it is not appropriate for them to share a bedroom with a child already in the family. That’s why all foster homes need a spare bedroom. You can opt to decorate the space beforehand or wait until the foster child joins the household and decorate together (especially if the fostering is a long-term placement). If the fostering is a short-term placement, having somewhere for the child to place special items will help them feel at home much quicker as they will be able to display them. Your foster child’s bedroom should include a bed, a wardrobe, a desk, and somewhere to put personal items, such as a shelving unit. Remember, the room should be a blank canvas for every child so they can put their own stamp on it. Furthermore, allowing them to choose décor items such as bedding will add an extra layer of personality – you can’t assume that all male foster children will want blue bedding, for example.

2. Create a Welcome Box

In addition to creating their own space, a welcome box provides you with the opportunity to make something unique and special that your foster child will never forget. Your welcome box could include items such as a toothbrush and basic toiletries, but it could also have fun things, such as a cuddly toy, a book, or a game for you to play together as a bonding experience. Ideally, you should know what the child likes and dislikes before joining the household, but a welcome box can be a fun way to give them something special.

So, what should you place into the welcome box? Items to consider are:

  • A welcome book to the family detailing who people are (e.g., Sunny the border collie)
  • Games
  • Soft toy
  • Book
  • Magazine
  • Sweets/chocolate bar
  • Writing/drawing papers and crayons

3. Establish Trust

All great relationships are built on trust, and your relationship with your foster child is no different. Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship, so it is crucial you take the time to develop trust together. A stable caregiving presence will build trust, and being consistent with your foster child will teach them that you will be present in their life. If your foster child has experienced a difficult start to life, stability is critical for their well-being.

Remember, building trust is an ongoing process. It requires patience, understanding, empathy and compassion. By prioritising your foster child’s emotional well-being, you will create a long-lasting bond.

4. Provide Emotional Support

Foster children may come from a challenging or traumatic background, so when welcoming a foster child into your home, you need to be on hand to help with any emotional issues. Your foster parent training will provide a great starting point for educating yourself on emotional support, but you should also aim to learn as much as you can about your child’s background. A foster parent needs to recognise any potential trauma responses to enable them to step in and bring peace to the situation as quickly as possible. A trauma response in a foster child may involve difficulties with self-regulation, difficulty forming bonds, and behavioural concerns. Sometimes, this means being patient and understanding. Other times, it may mean seeking additional support from our team.

5. Celebrate Milestones and Progress

Celebrating milestones is special for every child, which is why you should always celebrate any milestone or progress of your foster child. Whether you think the milestone is significant or not, making it memorable can help your foster child feel part of the family. This could be something like their first day at a new school, or it could be their birthday. No occasion is too small for a celebration.

6. Training

You can never know too much, and this is especially true when discussing becoming a foster parent. Only by persisting with training and learning as much as possible can you be prepared to welcome your foster child. Every child is different, and every situation is unique. It’s for this reason that training is crucial, as it enables you to learn how to deal with various situations that may arise at any time. Training enables you to develop critical crisis resolution and problem-solving skills.

Our foster care training is a comprehensive programme of development that every foster parent will undergo. This training includes first aid, equality and diversity, managing complex behaviour, and understanding self-harm.

Welcoming a foster child into your home is an exciting milestone in your and your child’s life. It’s the time to make it memorable and give your foster child the chance to make your home their own. Every step you take to make your home a safe, warm, welcoming place will make the difference to your foster child.

Are you thinking of fostering?

Download the FCA’s complete beginner’s guide to fostering a child. Find out more on how to foster a child and the process involved.

Download Guide

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Tips and Ideas for Making Bonfire Night Special for Foster Children

When you welcome foster children into your home, one of the best things you can do is create special memories to help your foster children feel safe and loved. And Fireworks Night is the perfect occasion to start.

Fireworks Night, or Bonfire Night, marks the historical events of the Gunpowder Plot, and it’s a time when you can gather your family to come together, light up the sky, indulge in some hot chocolate, and enjoy the wonder of fireworks.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to create a safe and fun Fireworks Night in the comfort of your home and help make your foster child feel like one of the family.

Creating a Safe and Fun Fireworks Night at Home

First things first. Before the excitement of Catherine Wheels and sparklers takes over, it’s important to ensure your fireworks display is safe for everyone by following some simple fire safety tips.

  • Have a bucket of water or a hose at the ready at all times – this is essential in case of any emergencies to extinguish unexpected fires if they arise.
  • Clear the area – having a fireworks display in the comfort of your own garden can make for a comforting and safe experience for your foster child, especially if they have any anxiety, but it’s important to clear the area of any flammable materials such as dry leaves or garden toys.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher handy – hopefully, you won’t need to use it, but it’s always a good idea to keep one close by, just in case.
  • Buy from a reliable source – ensure you purchase your fireworks from reputable sellers that meet the safety standards.
  • Keep a safe distance – it might be tempting to get up close with the fireworks, but you need to maintain a safe distance at all times and ensure your foster child keeps well back.
  • Read the instructions thoroughly – check the instructions and then read them again carefully to make sure you understand exactly how they work and how they need to be handled.
  • Don’t reignite faulty fireworks – if one of your fireworks doesn’t go off, don’t attempt to reignite it. Wait for at least 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Use noise-cancelling headphones – if your foster child is nervous of loud noises you might want to invest in some noise-cancelling headphones so they can still enjoy the magic of the fireworks without any of the loud bangs.
  • Wear appropriate clothing – wrap your child up warm and if they are going to be holding sparklers make sure they wear gloves to protect their hands. You could also stick the sparklers into the end of a carrot so they don’t hold the sparkler itself.

Easing Anxiety for Nervous Children

Many foster children come from a traumatic background, and while they might love the idea of setting off fireworks on Bonfire Night and enjoying the festivities, it is possible that elements of the night could cause anxiety. The loudness of the fireworks, darkness, and flashes of light among them.

To help make your night enjoyable for your foster child, it’s important to help put them at ease if they do have any worries.

First, talk to your foster child then listen to any concerns they might have. Depending on their age you could explain the story behind Bonfire Night and help them understand what the celebration is about, and what to expect. Let them know there will be loud noises and flashes of light in the sky but reassure them they will always be safe. If they have any concerns about the night but are still keen to participate, encourage them to share any fears they might have and make arrangements around them.

Instead of going to a community fireworks display, which will be very busy, crowded, and noisy, create a safe and comforting display in your own garden with just you, your foster child, and your family. This way, you have total control over which fireworks are used and how long the display goes on. It also means your foster child can go inside and watch from the window if it gets a bit too much.

Ideas for Making Fireworks Night Extra Special for Your Foster Child

Now we’ve looked at some safety tips, let’s look at some ways you can make this magical night even more special for your foster child.

Set up a Cosy Viewing Area

Set up a cosy viewing area for you and your foster child. Create a comfortable area in your garden with cushions and blankets – weighted blankets can give additional support and comfort. Wrap yourselves up in warm clothes and if your child has any security items such as a teddy or a blanket, take them outside with you so they feel safe.

Buy some glow sticks for your child to wave around so they can participate safely and set the mood by playing their favourite music on a speaker. Add some tasty snacks and treats or have a picnic dinner outside to add to the fun, then cuddle up and watch the fireworks light up the sky.

Make Firework-themed Treats Together

One of the best things about Bonfire Night is all the yummy food and treats. Why not make some fun firework-themed snacks with your foster child and enjoy them as a family as you watch your display? Cooking together is a lovely way to bond with your foster child and make them feel included. Here are a couple of simple but delicious ideas:

  • Homemade toffee apples – a classic treat for autumn and these are so easy to make. You’ll need: 8 apples, 400g golden caster sugar, 1 tsp vinegar, and 4 tbsp golden syrup. Clean your apples, dry them thoroughly, and twist off the stalks. Push a wooden skewer into the stalk end of each apple. Next, put the sugar and 100ml water into a pan and place on medium heat until the sugar dissolves then stir in the vinegar and syrup. Boil the toffee to 150C – you can check if it’s ready by pouring a little into a bowl of cold water. If it hardens instantly then it’s ready! Quickly (so the toffee doesn’t harden), dip and twist each apple in the hot toffee until covered, then place on some baking parchment to harden.
  • Fruit rockets – if you want to try something a little healthier, these easy fruit rockets are perfect. They look particularly impressive if you can find foil cocktail sticks to make the ends look like fireworks. For the rockets you’ll need: 5 strawberries, 10 chunks of mango (or any fruit your child enjoys), 15 blueberries, and 5 foil cocktail sticks. Once you’ve washed and dried your fruit, hull the strawberries. Take a cocktail stick and thread the blueberries and mangos onto the sticks, alternating between them. Top each skewer with a strawberry to make a point at the top of the rocket.
  • Pretzel stick sparklers – these are easy and so delicious. You’ll need: 24 thin pretzel sticks, 100g white chocolate, and colourful sprinkles. Gently melt your chocolate in the microwave until it’s only just melted and smooth. Dip the end of your pretzel sticks in the white chocolate and lay them on a lined baking tray before adding a smattering of your favourite sprinkles. Place the tray in the fridge until the chocolate hardens.

Use Sparklers to Make Family Memories

Give your foster child the opportunity to capture the fun of Fireworks Night forever by creating a special photo book. Grab your smartphone or tablet and snap away as you all enjoy the festivities together. Sparklers are a lovely way to make amazing photos. Using our sparkler safety tips above, ask your foster child to write everyone’s names in the night sky using a sparkler. Take photos and videos to capture it and then everyone else can take turns writing their names

You can then print your photos and turn them into a photo book your child can keep with them always. Don’t forget to add names and dates so it can be something they look back on lovingly in years to come.

Make Fireworks Night Special for Your Foster Child

However you choose to spend Bonfire Night with your foster child, we hope we have given you some ideas for how to make it extra fun and safe.

By following these safety tips, taking your child’s needs into consideration, and planning some exciting activities, you can create memorable moments to help your foster child feel loved and welcome in your home.

How musical play can help child development

When you foster a child with us, you don’t raise them alone. You’ll be part of a team of people who are all committed to delivering life-changing outcomes for children and young people in care. What makes us different to other fostering agencies is that everyone involved understands that children and young people with histories of trauma, abuse, neglect or attachment difficulties need therapeutic input to help their wellbeing and development.

When it comes to child development, musical play can be an impactful technique for growth and healing. Music has a way of captivating our senses and stirring emotions within us. In the case of children in foster care, who have experienced disruption and trauma, musical play takes on a special significance. Here, we’ll explore the benefits of musical play in encouraging the healthy development of children in care, providing them with a nurturing and transformative experience.

Emotional expression and regulation

Music has a unique ability to evoke and channel emotions. For children in foster care who have faced significant upset and trauma, expressing and regulating emotions can be challenging. Musical play provides a safe space for them to express their feelings, whether through singing, creating music, or dancing. It allows them to release pent-up emotions, find comfort, and develop emotional resilience.

Cognitive development

Engaging in musical play stimulates various cognitive processes. Singing, playing instruments, and listening to music enhances memory, attention, and concentration. Children learn to recognise patterns, follow rhythms, and understand musical structures, which contribute to their cognitive growth. Also, exploring music expands their vocabulary, improves language skills, and promotes creative thinking.

Social skills and peer interaction

Children in foster care often face difficulties in building social connections due to their unique experiences. Musical play provides opportunities for social interaction and collaboration. Whether it’s participating in a group performance or joining music classes, children learn valuable social skills such as cooperation, communication, and teamwork. These interactions create a sense of belonging and support the development of healthy relationships.

Healing and trauma recovery:

One of the most remarkable aspects of musical play is its healing power. For children in foster care who have lived through adverse experiences, music can be a transformative tool in their recovery process. Musical play offers a safe outlet for emotional release, reduces anxiety, and provides a sense of comfort and security. It acts as a therapeutic platform, aiding in their healing journey and promoting overall mental well-being.

What is musical play?

Musical play refers to the engaging and interactive exploration of music through various activities such as singing, dancing, playing instruments, and creating rhythms and melodies. Similar to play therapy, it encourages children to actively participate, express themselves creatively, and develop a deeper connection with the world of music.

Why is musical play important for child development?

Musical play plays a crucial role in a child’s overall development, nurturing various aspects of their growth:

Discover how fostering will affect your finances

Don’t let finances be the barrier to starting your fostering journey, discover our essential guide to allowances, tax, National Insurance and claiming benefits whilst fostering.

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How can musical play help children in foster care?

Musical play holds a lot of potential for positively impacting the lives of children in foster care.

  • Self-expression and empowerment: Musical play allows children to express themselves freely, helping them find their voice and assert their identity. Through singing, playing instruments, and creating music, children can tell their stories, share their experiences, and celebrate their uniqueness. This empowers them with a strong sense of self-esteem and personal growth. At FCA, we are advocates for the children in our care and ensuring their voices are heard is something we’re deeply passionate about.
  • Building trust and attachment: The interactive nature of musical play creates opportunities for connection and trust-building. Engaging in musical activities with caregivers and peers builds a sense of safety and security. It helps children in foster care develop positive relationships and build healthy attachments, which are crucial for their emotional well-being and overall development.
Musical Play Can Help Child Development

How does musical play work?

Musical play therapy contributes towards child development through various ways:

Emotional Engagement

Music has a direct impact on our emotions. It can evoke joy, sadness, excitement, or calmness. Through musical play, children in foster care can explore and express their emotions in a safe and non-threatening way. The melodies, rhythms, and lyrics allow them to connect with their feelings and experience a range of emotions, promoting their emotional well-being and helping them process their experiences.

Sensory stimulation

Musical play engages multiple senses simultaneously. Listening to music, feeling the vibrations of instruments, and participating in rhythmic movements activate the auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic senses. This sensory stimulation enhances sensory integration, promoting coordination, balance, and fine motor skills development.

Neurological activation

Engaging in musical play activates various areas of the brain. Playing instruments, singing, and listening to music stimulate neural connections, promoting brain development and cognitive abilities. The brain’s response to music enhances memory, attention, and pattern recognition, fostering cognitive growth and intellectual skills.

5 types of musical play techniques

There are several techniques and activities that can be incorporated into musical play, but what’s important to remember is that musical play doesn’t have many rules. And that’s the beauty of it! It’s there to help children feel connected to the moment while simultaneously boosting their self-esteem and promoting healthy development.

  1. Singing

    Singing is a fundamental and totally accessible form of musical play, and it’s close to our hearts here at FCA. Every year, we host The Big Sing off to bring our community together for a day of music and singing. But you can sing anywhere you like, all year round! Children can sing along to familiar songs or learn new ones. Singing helps with language development, vocabulary expansion, and self-expression. It can be done individually or in groups, providing opportunities for social interaction and building confidence. Why not have a sing-along to your foster child’s favourite records and enjoy a therapeutic release of emotions while making happy memories?

  2. Instruments

    Providing children with access to various musical instruments allows them to explore different sounds and textures. They can experiment with percussion instruments like drums or xylophones, or try their hand at string or wind instruments. Instrument exploration enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and processing sounds, which can also be extremely beneficial for autistic children.

  3. Movement and dance

    Bringing movement and dance into musical play encourages physical activity and self-expression. Children can sway, jump, or dance to the rhythm of the music. This not only enhances gross motor skills but also allows them to release energy, improve coordination, and experience the joy of dance, because everyone loves a boogie from time to time!

  4. Songwriting

    Encouraging children to create their own songs is a powerful form of musical play. They can write lyrics, invent melodies, and experiment with different musical elements. This activity promotes creativity, self-expression, and fosters a sense of ownership and accomplishment.

  5. Music listening and reflection

    Listening to different genres of music and reflecting on how the songs make you feel can be a valuable aspect of musical play. Children can discuss their interpretations, share their feelings, and connect with the music on a deeper level. This activity promotes active listening, critical thinking, and emotional engagement.

In child development, musical play shines as a transformative force, particularly for children in foster care who have experienced a lot of anguish in their early lives. By engaging in musical play, these children can express their emotions, develop cognitive and social skills, experience healing, and find empowerment.

Could you give a vulnerable child a loving home?

There are thousands of children who are still waiting for a loving, safe foster home where they can experience joy and the comfort of a stable childhood. If you’re aged 21 or over, have the legal right to live and work in the UK, and also have a spare bedroom, we’d love to hear from you. We offer an exceptional support package, generous allowances and provide all the training you need to become a foster parent.

Please get in touch and our friendly fostering advisors will get back to you to tell you more about fostering with FCA and answer any questions you have.

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They’re Not Naughty – They’re Hurting

Challenging behaviour in children can be a sign that they’re actually hurting, and not trying to be naughty or difficult. So, how does trauma affect children’s development? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why children’s trauma might be a root cause of challenging behaviour, and how you can help them.

Challenging behaviour in children

The effects of childhood neglect can have a detrimental impact on a child’s behaviour. Our brains develop from birth into adulthood, and there are key periods where children’s brains are more affected by positive or negative experiences, which can have a significant effect on their brain development.

Negative experiences caused by trauma such as abuse or neglect can harm the brain’s development, causing a variety of issues starting in childhood.

The effects of trauma on brain development can vary but studies have shown that severe trauma disrupts the ways in which children’s brains develop and process information. Because of this, there can be an increase in the risk of the child developing challenging behavioural disorders, as well as emotional, cognitive, and attentional disorders.

This can lead to aggressive behaviour in children, as well as issues such as attachment issues, difficulty regulating emotions, impulse control, mental health issues, dissociation, traumatic flashbacks, and difficulty learning.

Gain a more comprehensive understanding of the long-term effects of abuse or neglect by reading our article titled ‘Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Abuse or Neglect.’

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Attachment trauma

Attachment trauma might be another reason why some children display signs of depression or difficult behaviour. This is the inability to form a secure and healthy bond with their primary caregiver due to the trauma they might have experienced in their past.

If a child has suffered from emotional or physical abuse or neglect, then it can impact their development and ability to form healthy bonds and attachments. The person, or people, who should have been there to meet their physical and emotional needs has let them down. They haven’t been there for them. This can lead to behavioural challenges and prevent the child from forming healthy attachments with others around them.

Some of the signs of attachment trauma in children can include:

  • No impulse control
  • A tendency to act hyperactive
  • Destructive behaviour
  • Abnormal eating patterns
  • Abnormal speech patterns
  • An inability to make friends
  • Unable to make eye contact
  • Acting clingy or demanding

All of these signs can look like challenging behaviour in children, but really, they’re just coping with their past. What they need is someone who can help them rebuild trust in others and offer them love, stability, security, and care.

Are you thinking of fostering?

Download the FCA’s complete beginner’s guide to fostering a child. Find out more on how to foster a child and the process involved.

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Signs of depression in children

Children who have suffered from emotional neglect or abuse can later develop depression.

Depression in young children can show itself in a number of ways, and it’s much more than just feeling sad. The condition is often undiagnosed and untreated, as it can often just be brushed off as “normal” emotional changes. But children who experience depression can act out or show signs of aggression and anger, and this can lead to them being perceived as exhibiting challenging behaviour.

Signs of depression in children can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Vocal outbursts and Anger
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Impaired thinking
  • Impaired concentration
  • Social withdrawal
  • Continuous feelings of sadness
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Being more sensitive
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Loss of interest in school and hobbies
  • Poor academic performance

Depression in children (as in adults) is not a passing mood, nor is it a condition that will just resolve itself without proper treatment.

That’s where we come in. With your help, we can change these children’s lives. Through proper care, stability, and love, we can be the lifeline that these children so desperately need.

Helping to overcome children’s trauma

There are many ways we can help overcome children’s trauma, which might be the cause of their challenging behaviour.

The different types of childhood trauma vary, but the bottom line is any child who has experienced trauma needs to feel and know they are safe. Foster parents can do this by welcoming them into their home and providing a stable and loving environment with a sense of normality.

Top Tips

  • If you have children of your own, make sure you have a chat with them before your foster child arrives. Let them know what to expect and listen to any concerns they might have. You can also involve them with welcoming their new foster siblings, and ask if they have any fun ideas to make it as enjoyable as possible.
  • Create a safe haven for your foster child in their new bedroom. They need to know that this is their own safe space where they can feel secure and have privacy. Fill it with things you know they’ll like (we’ll help you on this), so they can relax as soon as they arrive.
  • Try not to pry, but gently encourage your foster child to be as open as they would like with you. Let them know you are there for them and they can talk to you about anything whenever they want to. Building trust takes time, but it can make all the difference.
  • Set consistent age-appropriate boundaries, which can help them feel secure in a world that might seem scary and out of control. Sure, they may push those boundaries a bit (what kid doesn’t?) so make sure you praise them with lots of positive attention when they keep within them.
  • Establish family routines to provide structure around your foster child’s day. Routines provide stability and can help them feel safe in an unfamiliar environment.

Every child reacts to trauma differently, and while their actions may present as challenging behaviour, there is no right or wrong way for them to feel when processing their past.

We’ll always be there for you to help deal with any challenges that arise, and you’ll receive specialist training on how to deal with a child that has experienced trauma. But there are also some practical things you can do to help when a child with such experiences comes into your home.

Remember, a child who presents with challenging behaviour might have experienced trauma, and they may struggle at first to form a bond with you. Always make sure you listen to them and encourage them to share with you when they feel ready. Positive reinforcements can work wonders and help them form healthy relationships, so pile on the praise to help build their self-esteem.

Therapeutic fostering

At FCA, we believe in holistic, therapeutic fostering. This specialist type of fostering is key for helping children’s trauma as it brings together specialists, the children’s family (where possible), and the foster parents to form a wrap-around parenting team. We tailor our care to meet the complex needs of children who are living with trauma that could be affecting children’s behaviour.

This gives us the opportunity to fully understand their history and difficulties and help their well-being and development.

Find out more

Become a foster carer

With a national shortage of people coming forward to apply to foster, there has never been a more important time to become a foster carer. With around 30,000 new children coming into care every year, there are simply not enough foster carers available to care for vulnerable children in need of a safe and loving home

So many of these children have experienced a traumatic past, and while some may exhibit challenging behaviour, they need our help to turn their lives around.

When you become a foster parent with FCA, you can bring your skills, energy, and desire to make a change in children’s lives into a new profession that needs you.

As a foster parent, you’ll be a role model, a parent, and a teacher, helping the children in your care to overcome trust issues, build confidence, feel love, and grow into successful adults themselves. And we’ll be with you every step of the way. With Team Parenting ®, we’ll work with you as well as childcare experts to change looked after children’s lives. You’ll always have 24/7 support and guidance and receive a wealth of specialist training to give you all the tools you need to overcome challenging behaviour in children.

Understanding challenging behaviour in children and making a difference

By opening your home to a vulnerable child and offering support for children in foster care, you can give young people a second chance at experiencing a happy childhood. With our support and guidance, you can be key to helping them overcome their traumatic past and start paving the way for them to enjoy a happy and healthy adulthood.

If you’d like to know more about fostering, then please get in touch today. One of our friendly fostering advisors will get back to you and answer any questions you have around children in care, the fostering process and the work we do at FCA.

Allison’s fostering story

Allison, a foster parent from FCA Northern Ireland, shares her fostering journey thus far and what it’s like to foster while raising your own children.

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5 tips for when your foster placement ends

Whether you’ve spent a few days or a few years with your foster child, you have put your heart and soul into caring for your foster child. And saying goodbye can be heartbreaking. This can leave you feeling lost, sad, and not knowing when your next placement will be.

If you’re in the situation of ending a foster care placement, then it’s important to get the support and guidance you need. In this guide, we’ll give you tips for when a foster placement ends and what your foster agency can do to support you through this time.

Why do foster placements end?

Saying goodbye to a foster child can be a difficult experience. As a foster parent, your aim is always to provide a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for your foster child. But you’re also aware that the placement will end at some point. Whether it’s days, weeks, or even years.

With fostering, the main objective is to always reunite the child with their birth family. When or if that happens, is of course, a joyful thing. However, it can cause pain and sadness on your end.

But, what happens when a foster placement ends and why do they end?

foster parent Ending Foster Placement

There are several reasons why placements end. These include:

  • Reunification – when the child returns to their birth family.
  • Adoption – when the foster child is adopted by another family.
  • Joining their siblings – they may move to the same foster family as their siblings.
  • Specialist placement – if the foster child has complex needs and requires more specialist care that is beyond your current abilities.
  • Leaving care – the young person in your care is old enough to live independently.
  • The placement breaks down – while we do everything we can to ensure there’s a good match between children and foster families, sometimes things don’t work out. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s usually because a foster parent is struggling to cope with certain behaviours, or they’ve repeatedly tried to manage behaviour with little or no success, or new risks have emerged that mean it’s no longer safe to look after them. It’s a sad situation for everyone involved, and the decision to end placements in such circumstances is never taken lightly.

Tips for ending foster placement

Whatever the reason your placement is ending, these tips should make the process a little easier.

  1. Ensure you receive the right support

    When a foster placement ends, it’s so important that you receive support and care from your foster agency.

    A great fostering agency is there for you 24/7, before, during, and after caring for a child. This ensures no matter the day or time, you’ll always have a friendly ear and a helping hand available to you.

    Never be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you need it. Your foster agency should treat you like a team member, and no feeling or query is too big or small to deal with.

  2. Try and stay positive

    Even if you’re feeling sad about your placement ending, it’s important to try and stay positive.

    You’ve played a huge role in helping your foster child, so when it comes to talking to them about their time with you ending, be positive and hopeful about their future. Explain to them why they are moving on, when it will happen and where they are going. Focus on the good things to come out of this.

    If you can help them feel better about the changes they are about to go through, it could help with your emotions too. Look at the time you’ve spent together as a blessing, and that you’ve contributed to the growth and happiness of a vulnerable child.

  3. Maintain a close relationship with the social worker and foster agency team

    Being part of the team that cares for your foster child is always vital, but never more so than when a placement is ending.

    To ensure the placement ending transition runs as smoothly as possible, keep up with communicating with your foster team, including the foster agency and social workers who are your main point of contact.

    They will do everything in their power to support you and can even refer you to aftercare support groups once the child has left. Your agency should always be on your side and these professionals form a close-knit partnership around you and your foster child.

  4. Give your foster child a memento

    The time you have spent with your foster child is precious. You would have formed a bond that makes you an integral part of each other’s lives. But ending foster placements doesn’t mean you both have to forget each other.

    Give your foster child something physical they can take with them to remember you and the time you spent together. Something like a scrapbook is a lovely idea. You can fill it with photos, letters, poems, funny stories, things you love about them, and family memories. Why not make two copies so you can have one too, that way, you can look back through it whenever you’re missing them.

  5. Support leaving care

    When a foster placement ends because the child is transitioning into adult life, you can help prepare them for their next step. Which can also give you comfort and assurance that you’re making a further impact in their life.

    Work with your social worker to help create a plan for them. Understand their goals in life and give them life lessons that they can take with them on their next steps. It’s important to reassure them that the world is their oyster, and just because they’ve lived in foster care throughout childhood, they are deserving of the same opportunities as any young adult.

    You may also want to let them know they can call you or write to you anytime. Keeping that line of communication open when they’re venturing out into the world will be vital in helping to maintain that sense of security.

Ending a long term foster placement

Saying goodbye to a long-term foster placement can be especially difficult. The main focus should always remain on the best interests of the child in care. But their leaving can put a lot of strain on you and your family, who would have come to love and care for them.

If you have birth children at home, ensure they’re also prepared for the placement ending. It’s very likely they would have formed a close relationship with their foster sibling, so they will also need support for when they leave. Sit down with them and explain why they are leaving so they can understand.

Just because your foster child is leaving, it doesn’t mean you have to lose touch with them. In many cases, it’s appropriate to keep in touch with the child even after they leave. Speak to your foster agency and social worker to see if this is an option, and then make sure your foster child knows how to contact you if they want to.

This can help when ending a long-term foster placement, making the transition a little easier for both of you.

How to tell a foster child they are leaving

Telling a foster child that they are leaving can be a difficult and emotional conversation. Here are some tips on how to approach the conversation:

  • Be honest and direct

    It’s important to be honest with the foster child and to explain the situation in clear and simple terms. Let them know why they are leaving and what the next steps will be.

  • Be empathetic

    Recognize that leaving can be a traumatic experience for a foster child, so it’s important to show empathy and understanding. Let them know that you understand how difficult this is for them and that you are there to support them through the process.

  • Validate their feelings

    Allow the child to express their feelings about leaving and validate their emotions. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings and let them know that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused.

  • Provide support

    Let the child know that they will not be alone in the transition process. Provide them with information about their new placement, including the name and contact information of their new caregiver. Offer to help them pack their belongings and reassure them that they will be safe and cared for.

  • Be available

    Make sure the child knows that they can contact you if they need to talk or if they have any questions. Let them know that you will always be there for them, even if they are no longer in your care.

Remember, the goal of the conversation is to help the foster child feel supported and cared for during a difficult time. By being honest, empathetic, and available, you can help the child navigate the transition to their new placement with as much support and care as possible.

Ending foster placement can be hard

And if you’re in this position and wondering what happens when you end a foster placement, then we hope this guide helped.

At Foster Care Associates, we understand how difficult placement endings can be. This is why we’re here for you, every step of the way. Giving you 24/7 support and advice to ensure you never feel alone, unsupported or overlooked.

If you need additional support during or after placement, or you want to discuss transferring to us, then download our Transfer To Us Guide. Our friendly and dedicated team can’t wait to welcome you to our family.

How easy is it to change foster agencies?

Transferring to FCA is easier than you might think, you’ll have our dedicated team with you every step of the way. Your application will be fast-tracked, making the whole process quick and easy. We always fast-track experienced foster families through the assessment process – aiming to complete it within just 12 weeks of your initial enquiry.

Meet our Operations Director, Neil Morris to discover the fantastic benefits of transferring to FCA. 

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12 Tips For Keeping Children Safe on Bonfire Night

The history of Bonfire Night 

Bonfire Night is actually a celebration of the infamous failed Gunpowder Plot in 1605. Guy Fawkes, along with 12 other men, planned to blow up the House of Parliament in an attempt to re-establish Catholic rule in England. However, the men were betrayed and their plan was uncovered, much to the delight of King James I who was the intended target. November 5 was made a national day of celebration, and it was compulsory to celebrate up until 1959 in the UK!

To this day, many of us still celebrate November 5, however, it’s more of an opportunity to huddle around a cosy bonfire, marvel as fireworks light up the night sky, and tuck into some tasty treats. But, with all these explosions and open fires, keeping yourself and your children safe is the number one priority, whether you’re at a venue or in your own back garden. So, here are our top tips for keeping your kids safe on Bonfire Night.

Keeping Children Safe On Bonfire Night

Safety tips for Bonfire Night at home 

  • Never let children handle fireworks. They are extremely dangerous and should only be handled by a trustworthy adult. Once a firework is lit, you should stand well away and enjoy the explosion of colours from afar.
  • Keep anything flammable locked away. Many teenagers feel a need to rebel and push boundaries. Especially foster children in care who may struggle with authority due to being let down by their primary caregivers early in life. This defiance could lead to them wanting to let off fireworks at home or in school, which is incredibly dangerous. In the days leading up to Bonfire Night, make sure your firelighters, fireworkers and sparklers are locked away and out of reach to prevent them from getting in trouble.
  • Sparkler safety. They look so pretty it’s easy to forget they can cause harm if not handled correctly. Anybody holding a sparkler should wear gloves, keep them well away from people’s faces and always dispose of them properly in water or sand.
Safety Tips For Bonfire Night At Home
  • Bonfire boundaries. A bonfire should be positioned well away from any trees, fences or sheds, and should have a proper cordon surrounding it. Even if you plan on only having a small bonfire in your back garden, fire can easily get out of control and spread. Check out your local area to see if there’s a public bonfire to go to instead, which is manned by safety professionals.

  • Keep your distance. If your garden does allow for the space to light a bonfire and let off fireworks, you should ensure that everybody stands at a safe distance and children are supervised at all times.
  • Be prepared to extinguish your bonfire. It might sound dramatic to say ‘prepare for the worst’, but if your bonfire does get out of hand, you’ll be thankful you planned in advance. Have a fire extinguisher or buckets of water and buckets of sand on standby should anything go wrong.
foster parents and camping
  • Stick to soft drinks. As a parent, your safety ensures your child’s safety. This means you need to be alert, vigilant and sensible. Mixing alcohol with fireworks and open flames is not a good recipe, so keep the festivities alcohol-free with a batch of delicious hot chocolate instead.
  • Ask your children if they want to celebrate. Luckily, bonfire night isn’t a mandatory celebration anymore, so you can decide as a family whether to participate or not. Some children, especially those with autism or children in care who have experienced trauma, might find bonfire night extremely distressing. The loud, unpredictable bangs could trigger flashbacks from childhood abuse, or autistic children could experience sensory overload due to the different smells, noises and colours. You may want to ask neighbours if they plan on letting fireworks off so you can arrange to be out of the house during those hours. Sometimes, keeping your child safe on Bonfire Night means removing them from the celebrations altogether, and that’s absolutely okay.

Safety tips for attending a Bonfire Night event

  • Have an agreed meeting place. The idea of losing your child in a sea of people is not something anybody wants to think about. However, this is a real possibility so it’ll pay to think about it now and plan ahead. Scope out the park or venue in the days leading up and agree a location to meet at if your child gets lost.
  • Wear distinct clothing. If your child does get lost, there’s a better chance of them being found if they’re wearing a distinct item of clothing that people can identify them with.
  • Wrap up warm. When you’re at your local Bonfire Night event, you can’t nip inside the house to grab another blanket if your children are feeling the chill. So, before you venture out, ensure your kids are wrapped up in plenty of layers to prevent them catching a cold or getting sore, numb fingers and toes.
  • Use headphones for little ones and babies. From the loud bangs to the sounds of funfair rides and DJ music, Bonfire Night events can really put your senses to the test! For under 5s, we recommend noise cancelling headphones to keep them calm and allow them to enjoy the mesmerising fireworks without all the stressful sounds.

Following these tips will help make sure your Bonfire Night is a magical time for all the family. And at FCA, that’s all we want for our foster children – magical moments with a loving family. If you think you could open up your heart and home to a vulnerable child in need, we’d love to hear from you. There are many children who desperately need a home, and yours could be the perfect one for them. Please get in touch today, or download our Beginner’s Guide to Fostering a Child to find out everything you need to know about the process and what’s involved.

new foster carer

Are you thinking of fostering?

Download the FCA’s complete beginner’s guide to fostering a child. Find out more on how to foster a child and the process involved.

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6 Fun Alternative Halloween Activities For Foster Children

Halloween is now a spooky staple in the UK, with more and more people participating in the festivities each year. From carving creepy faces into pumpkins to trick-or-treating around your neighbourhood, it’s a chance for children to dress up and indulge in a fantasy world of monsters, witches and ghosts.

While trick-or-treating is the most common Halloween tradition, it doesn’t always appeal to everyone. The majority of children in care will have suffered some form of trauma, so it’s important to protect their newfound sense of safety they have with you. It’s possible your foster child might be feeling uneasy about the prospect of trick-or-treating due to their difficult pasts. Perhaps they’re afraid of the dark or the idea of approaching unknown houses is triggering their anxiety. If this is the case, fear not! There are plenty of other fun things to do with your foster child this Halloween.

Check out our favourite ideas for how to make this scary season a great time for your foster children.

Alternative Activities To Trick Or Treating

6 Alternative Activities To Trick-or-treating

Pumpkin carving

This is a great, inclusive activity for the whole family to enjoy. Everybody has to draw a freaky or funny face onto a pumpkin which is then carved out – once you’ve scooped the insides of the pumpkin out, of course. Place a candle inside the pumpkin and watch as the faces come to life! Jack-o-lanterns are also a handy signal to let trick-or-treaters know they’re welcome to knock on your door. If your foster child is comfortable with this, pop your pumpkins on the windowsill or on the doorstep and get a bowl of sweets ready to hand out on 31 October.

For a less frightening alternative, you could simply decorate the outside of your pumpkins with things like sequins, dry pasta shapes, feathers and glitter. Halloween might celebrate all things horror, but it’s cool to break the mould and be different too.

Just be careful to assist teenagers when using sharp knives, and don’t let little ones try to carve their own pumpkin.

Pumpkin Carving

Bloodcurdling bakes

A big part of Halloween is all the sweet treats that are floating around. Rather than buy a bag of generic candy from the shops, use this opportunity to bond with your foster child in the kitchen. You could make:

  • creepy cookies shaped like spiders, bats and cobwebs
  • a jelly graveyard where you put lychee ‘eyeballs’ and strawberry lace ‘veins’ in the jelly mix
  • monster doughnuts with a raspberry jam mouth, chocolate button eyes and fizzy fang teeth
  • a terrifying trifle, which is essentially a DIY dessert. Let your foster child add an assortment of shop-bought treats, fruit ice cream and cake to a big bowl, topped off with blood red strawberry sauce of course!

Movie marathon night

As a child, there’s something special about staying up late once in a while, and it’s made even better if there’s a ‘midnight feast’ involved. You don’t have to stay up till midnight though to recreate that feeling.

Light some candles, bring the duvets down from the bedrooms and turn your lounge into a cosy theatre any time of day or night. There are plenty of child-friendly Halloween films too, with Hocus Pocus and Harry Potter being firm favourites in many households. Snuggle down with a pizza delivery and popcorn and enjoy a fun film session together.

Potion making

This is a great sensory play activity to help young children and those with autism learn new skills and improve cognitive development. Sensory play activities use different textures, sounds and smells to help your foster child process sensory information in a fun and engaging way – and this witches’ brew is the perfect Halloween activity! Fill a cauldron with water, add some green food colouring and then let your foster child mix in different items to create their own (inedible) potion. From cooked spaghetti ‘veins’, jelly ‘brains’ and lychee ‘eyeballs’ to crunchy leaves, sparkly sequins and ‘monster poo’ mud, the options are truly endless.

Glow in the dark treasure hunt

This game is sure to excite children and teenagers who aren’t afraid of the dark. All you need are some glow sticks and a variety of different chocolate bars, bags of crisps or other snacks your foster children enjoy. Hide the treats around your house, placing a glow stick next to each one. When it’s dark and the lights are off, the treasure hunt begins! It’s a cool alternative to trick-or-treating where your foster kids have to hunt for their own treats but from the comfort and safety of your home. If you have multiple children in your care, you can turn it into a friendly competition with a prize for who collects the most treasure.

Bloodcurdling Bakes

DIY dress up

Dressing up is a big part of Halloween. From wicked witches to devilish Draculas, it’s always fun to create a costume and get into character. Even if you’re not planning on trick-or-treating, that doesn’t mean to say you can’t join in with the tradition of dressing up. You could use Halloween as a chance to get crafty with household items. Here are some fun dressing up games to enjoy this year:

  • Mummy wrapping. It’s a race against the clock as your foster child has just 60 seconds to turn you into a mummy using toilet roll! Get the whole family involved for an epic battle.
  • Easy witches. Go foraging in the garden or local park to see if you can find any long branches that have fallen off the tree to be your broom handle. Then, collect some smaller twigs to tie around the end for the broom bristles. Cut a hole in the top of the bin bag for your witches’ cloak and there you have it! A costume that’s simple, effective and easy on the purse strings too.
  • Angel or devil wings. If you’ve got some spare wire coat hangers lying around, enhance them with some decorations to turn them into angel or devil wings. Using sticky tape, tie the hooked parts of two wire coat hangers together. This will be where your foster child feeds their arms through, similar to a backpack. Repeat with another two hangers to create the wings and attach together. Assisting them, glue feathers, tissue paper and leaves to the hangers acting as wings and let your foster child transform into their own fantasy angel or devil.
Halloween Activities

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With over 25 years’ experience of foster care, we know what it takes to transform a child’s life. It’s not always easy, but with FCA, you’re never on your own. If you’re currently fostering a child but would like to know what more you could get with FCA, please get in touch today. It could be the best decision you make.

Not sure if you meet all the requirements? Give us a call on 0800 023 4561 and we can answer any questions you have.

Foster Care Requirements

  • Be over 21 years old (there’s no upper age limit)
  • Have a spare bedroom but you don’t need to own your own house
  • Be a British Citizen or have indefinite leave to remain
  • Generally, you’ll need to be able to foster full-time, but there are a few exceptions
  • Plenty of patience, energy, resilience and commitment
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