Compass Fostering

Understanding the Role of a Foster Carer When children are unable to live with their birth family, they sometimes need to be looked after by a foster carer. Given that these children will have been removed from their parent’s or family’s care, for a lot of young people, this will be their first impression of what it is like to live in a safe and positive environment. So what is a foster carer’s role exactly? There are several different types of foster care, which will each determine the specifics of the role of the foster carer. Sometimes, foster carers will care for a child in an emergency, which will be for a relatively short period of time. Other times, a foster carer might have a long-term arrangement whereby the child will live with them for a number of years. Although the latter is most common, it is important to know that the role of the foster carers will vary, depending on the circumstances of the fostering arrangement. Provide Emotional Support A foster carer provides emotional support for their foster children and young people. As they are their main carers, they will be there for them during not only the most difficult times in their lives, but as they navigate their childhood as well. A foster carer is the first point of contact a child will have when they come home, and when they feel their most vulnerable. Providing emotional support for foster children is essential to ensure a stable and positive upbringing, where the child feels safe and supported.