Parent and child placements

What is a parent and child placement?

Parent and child placements are a specialist type of fostering where a young parent, usually a mother and baby, comes to stay with you at a time when they need extra support.

The young mum might be having difficulties looking after their new baby, or need some extra help and advice so that they can do it well. Sometimes there might be concerns about drug or alcohol use, or it might be a learning difficulty or mental health problems that are making parenting difficult.

Rather than referring struggling young parents to residential units to have their parenting assessed, a foster home can equip them with the extra parental support they may need. Going into foster care gives young families a much better chance of staying together.

Types of parent and child fostering

• Assessment placements – these usually last for last around 12 weeks and involve completing an assessment report of the parent’s ability to care for their child
• Pre-birth placements – to help prepare the parent for the birth of their child by supporting them to understand their own needs and the needs of their baby
• Parenting supporting placements – these are offered to parents who need help with learning how to provide basic care, safety, warmth and guidance for their child. This type of placement can also be offered if the parent needs a safe place to live

Could you help a young parent and child stay together?

Fostering a young family can be challenging as well as rewarding, so you’ll receive specialist training from us as well as support throughout your time as a parent and child foster carer.

The training covers everything relating to caring for, assessing and safeguarding a young family, including:

• How parents form relationships with their children
• How to assess their parenting skills
• How to support a parent with a learning disability

You’ll also receive frequent visits from your dedicated social worker, and you’ll have the option of therapy to help you care for your parent and child.

Think a parent and child placement could be for you? Please get in touch.