Every October, fostering services across the UK come together to celebrate Children of Foster Carers Week, an annual campaign led by The Fostering Network. The week shines a light on the vital contribution children and young people make to fostering. It also recognises the important role they play in helping children in care feel welcome, safe and loved.
The unsung heroes of fostering
When a family fosters, it is not just foster carers who are involved. Children and young people within fostering households are often at the heart of creating a welcoming home environment. They build friendships, share experiences, adapt to change and help children in care feel part of family life.
Their empathy, patience and understanding can make a significant difference to a child who may be experiencing uncertainty or adjusting to a new home. As such, fostering is very much a whole-family commitment. Moreover, Children of Foster Carers Week provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate that contribution.
Why the campaign matters
Children of Foster Carers Week is about more than saying thank you. It encourages fostering services to listen to the experiences of children and young people in fostering families. It also seeks to ensure their voices are heard.
By recognising the role they play, we can help children of foster carers feel valued and supported. At the same time, we raise awareness of the positive impact they have on fostering families and the children they welcome into their homes.
Supporting children and young people in fostering families
At Foster South Glos, we recognise that children of foster carers have their own experiences of fostering. In some cases, they may sometimes benefit from additional support.
Our Children of Foster Carers group, run by the WAYPOINT team, provides opportunities for children and young people from fostering families to come together. They can meet others with similar experiences and have their voices heard.
The group forms part of the wider support available through WAYPOINT. This is South Gloucestershire Council’s therapeutically informed support service for foster carers, children and young people, and the children of foster carers. The service offers trauma-informed support designed to strengthen relationships, support wellbeing and ensure every member of the fostering family feels understood and supported.
Alongside group activities, the WAYPOINT team can also provide individual support for children, young people and families. This support benefits those who would benefit from additional help.
Thank you
This Children of Foster Carers Week, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the children and young people in our fostering families.
Your kindness, patience, resilience and willingness to share your home and family life help make fostering possible. Your contribution matters. Furthermore, we are incredibly grateful for the important role you play in supporting children and young people in care.
Happy Children of Foster Carers Week! 💙
