Foster carers

You might live with people who look after children and young people in their own home. There are lots of different types of foster carer. Some live by themselves, others are couples, and some have children of their own.

Foster carers are checked very well and are assessed by social care services before they have children or young people placed with them. They will be given lots of training and support from a fostering social worker to make sure they understand what you may be going through and how to take care of you properly.

Foster carers don’t replace your parents whilst you live with them, but you'll be treated like part of their family. You may stay with your foster family for a few days or it might be longer.

Getting to know your foster carer

All families are different and have different ways of doing things so it might feel strange at first. However, foster carers and members of their family will make you feel welcome and will understand the first few days may be difficult for you.

Placement planning meeting

During the first five days of being in foster care, a placement planning meeting will be held. You will be at the meeting and will have the opportunity to ask lots of questions. Your social worker and new carer will also be at the meeting.

During the meeting, the following will be discussed:

• bedtimes
• house rules
• pocket money
• any things you may want to know

What does it mean?

Foster Carer 
A foster carer is someone who is specially trained and looks after children and young people in their own home and gives you a safe and secure place to live.

Placement Plan
Your placement plan is part of your care plan. This happens within the first five days of you becoming ‘looked after’. Your social worker will attend with your carer, and this is where you discuss what is expected of you and the people you will be living with.

Placement Plan Meeting
This happens within the first five days of you becoming ‘looked after’. Your social worker will attend with your carer, and this is where you discuss what is expected of you and the people you will be living with.

Supervising Social Worker
This is a social worker who supports foster carers.