Long Term and Permanent Fostering

The Role of Foster Parents in Long-Term and Permanent Fostering

Foster parents involved in long-term and permanent fostering take on a significant responsibility. Their role encompasses not only providing day-to-day care but also supporting the emotional and developmental needs of the children in their care. This includes helping children navigate challenges such as school, friendships, and personal growth.

Foster parents are trained to create an environment where children feel safe and valued. They become advocates for their children’s needs, ensuring they receive the necessary support from educational institutions, healthcare providers, and social services. This advocacy is essential for helping children establish a sense of normalcy and stability in their lives.

The Qualities of Successful Foster Parents

To be effective in long-term and permanent fostering, certain qualities are vital. Patience and understanding are at the forefront, as children in long-term placements may have complex emotional needs stemming from their past experiences. Foster parents must also possess strong communication skills, allowing them to connect with children and help them express their feelings and concerns.

Foster parents should be prepared to adapt their approach as needed, ensuring they are meeting the unique needs of the child in their care.

The Impact of Long-Term and Permanent Fostering

Long-term and permanent fostering can have a profound and lasting impact on a child’s life. By providing a stable and loving home, foster parents help children develop a sense of security and belonging. This stability is crucial for emotional healing and personal growth, allowing children to flourish and build resilience. 

Foster parents can play an important part in helping children work towards personal goals – whether that’s doing well at school, building friendships, or learning everyday life skills. In long-term or permanent fostering, the relationships formed are often strong and lasting. Many foster parents stay in touch with the children they’ve cared for well into adulthood.

AFA Fostering’s Support for Foster Parents

When a child leaves foster care, it may be to return to their birth family, move to a long-term placement, or, as they get older, start living independently. For young people preparing to live on their own, this can be a big step. Foster parents play an important role in helping them build the skills they need – such as cooking, managing money, and making decisions. Some young people may stay on in their foster home under a ‘Staying Put’ arrangement, which allows them to remain with their foster family beyond the age of 18 while they adjust to adulthood. This ongoing support can make a lasting difference, helping them feel more confident and secure as they take their next steps.

From the blog