How does parent and child fostering work?

A parent and their child live with a trained foster carer who provides a safe home and day-to-day support. While the parent remains responsible for caring for their child, professionals assess their progress and help them develop the skills and confidence needed to provide safe, consistent care.

What does a parent and child foster carer do?

Your role is to provide a safe and supportive environment where a parent can learn and grow in confidence.

You won't replace the parent. Instead, you'll encourage them, share practical parenting skills and offer guidance while working alongside social workers, health professionals and other members of the support team.

This may include:

• Offering practical support with daily routines.
• Encouraging positive parenting skills.
• Helping parents build confidence.
• Providing a safe and stable home environment.
• Working closely with professionals throughout the placement.

By offering patience, encouragement and consistency, you can help give both parent and child the best possible start.

Why choose parent and child fostering?

Parent and child fostering has the potential to change two lives at once.

With the right support, many parents develop the confidence and skills they need to care safely for their child. Watching a parent grow in confidence and seeing the bond between parent and child strengthen can be incredibly rewarding.

Every placement is different, but your guidance can help families build a brighter future together.

Could parent and child fostering be right for you?

This type of fostering is well suited to people who are patient, understanding and confident supporting others.

You don't need to have all the answers. We'll provide specialist training and ongoing support to help you prepare for this rewarding role.

If you're passionate about helping families stay together where it's safe to do so, parent and child fostering could be the right fit for you.

Support every step of the way

At Olive Branch Fostering, you'll receive specialist training, regular supervision and the support of a dedicated supervising social worker throughout every placement.

Our experienced team will work alongside you, providing guidance and advice whenever you need it.