The children vary in age from toddlers to teenagers. They need to be looked after for all sorts of reasons, perhaps the parent has mental health difficulties or there may be issues of domestic violence, alcohol or drug abuse. Many children will have been abused or neglected. Some of the children will have had damaging life experiences and may find it difficult to form relationships, to trust adults or to comply with the usual standards of behaviour. Some children may have a physical disability or learning difficulties.
Some children will be returning to their parents, or to a member of their extended family, after a short time. For some children this is not possible and they either need to live with a foster family or an adoptive family until they can become independent.
For most children it will be very important that they maintain regular contact with their own families.
All foster carers are given information about the child's background, behaviour, health and educational needs. However, if children are placed in an emergency, sometimes only limited information may be immediately available.
The home from home scheme offers regular short planned breaks to disabled children which gives the child the opportunity for new friendships and new experiences. The child's family also benefits by a break from caring.
Black children need black carers
This is because children need to be looked after by adults who are familiar with their culture, customs, language, dietary needs and religion. Black children need carers who can help them build a good sense of their own identity and help them with the racism they may face as they grow up. We welcome applications from people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
