Birmingham Children’s Trust focus on all aspects of fostering. One type of fostering recently introduced is a unique and important form of foster care that focuses on supporting young parents alongside their children. This arrangement involves a young parent and their baby/toddler coming to live with you for a set period, usually 12 weeks.
During this time, your role will be to observe, guide, and encourage the parent as they navigate the daily responsibilities of caring for their child. You’ll also ensure that the child is always safeguarded. This dual support system provides the parent with the best opportunity to develop the skills and confidence needed to eventually live independently with their child.
Parent and Child Fostering can be critical for several reasons. Many young parents find themselves in situations where they need additional support to care for their children. Reasons for requiring a Parent and Child placement include:
- Mental Health: Young parents struggling with mental health issues may need support to manage both their condition and their parenting responsibilities.
- Substance Abuse: Parents recovering from alcohol or drug use may need a structured environment to help them and provide a stable environment for their child.
- Domestic Violence: Parents fleeing abusive situations often need a safe space to rebuild their lives and a safe place to care for their children.
Becoming a Parent and Child Foster Carer requires certain personal attributes. Here are the key requirements:
- Spare Bedroom: You need to have a separate bedroom available for the parent and child to live in during their stay.
- Experience with Young Children: You should have experience caring for children aged 0-5 years and be knowledgeable about current infant care practices.
- Record-Keeping Skills: You must be able to produce clear and precise records, including detailed observations of the parent-child interactions and any progress or concerns.
- Encouragement and Support: Your role involves encouraging parents to meet their child’s daily needs while also looking out for the child’s safety. This requires the ability to ‘stand back’ at times and let the parent take the lead, intervening only when necessary for the child’s wellbeing.
Priscilla Spence is a Team Manager for Foster Birmingham and works closely with Parent and Child Carers. She said,
“Parent and Child Carers remain invaluable to us; offering such resources helps to make a great difference. Here at Birmingham Children’s Trust, we have been successful in recruiting Parent and Child Carers within the last 10 months, enabling our young people with an opportunity at reaching their potential in parenting. Where each step is recognition of resilience, confidence and hope. However, there are more carers needed to support with such measurable arrangements. Therefore, if you are interested or know anyone else who may be, then please do get in touch with the team for an informal chat and discussion.”
Parent and Child Foster Carers receive several benefits designed to support them in this crucial role including:
- £849* a week plus a child maintenance allowance
- 2 weeks paid holiday at the end of every 12-week assessment period
- Ongoing specialist training and support
Parent and child fostering is an incredibly rewarding role that provides vital support to young parents and their children. By offering a safe and open environment, you can help these families develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive independently. If you have the space, experience, and dedication, consider becoming a Parent and Child Foster Carer and make a lasting difference in your community!
Call our dedicated fostering team today on 0121 303 7575 or enquire online.
*Please enquire for the most up-to-date pay amount