7 Ways Of Helping Your Foster Child Settle In

Helping your foster child settle into your home requires patience, understanding, and support. The young person might be nervous, frightened, and not fully understand why they are in your care. Understanding how to help your foster child settle in will help to ease any nerves or unsettling feelings they have.

Here are seven ways to assist them in this transition:

Create a welcoming environment:

Ensure the young person feels welcome and safe in their new home. If you can, decorate their room with personal touches, such as their favourite colours or belongings, to make them feel comfortable and welcomed. This will help to ensure that the young person has a space that they feel safe in. If you are fostering siblings, ensure that each young person's space is personalised to each of their individuals likes and needs.

Ask what they like/dislike:

Ask the young person what their favourite foods are, what they don't enjoy eating, if they have a tv programme they like to watch etc. Not only will this help you get to know the young person quicker, but it will also relieve any stress they might be feeling about having to remember to tell you everything about themselves!

Establish routine and structure:

Consistency can provide a sense of stability for foster children who may have experienced upheaval in their lives. Establish daily routines for meals, bedtime, and other activities to help them feel secure and know what to expect. Include them into the family chores to help make them feel part of the family.

Encourage open Communication:

When helping your foster child settle into their new home, encourage open communication by creating a safe space for the young person to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Listen actively and validate their emotions to build trust and strengthen your bond with them.

Access Support Services:

Utilise Family Care's Fostering available support services, such as our in-house therapists, support groups with fellow foster carers and our dedicated Support Services team, to address any specific needs the foster child may have. These resources can provide additional support and guidance for both the young person and our foster carers.

Celebrate Milestones and Achievements:

Acknowledge and celebrate the young person's milestones and achievements, no matter how big or small. Recognising their progress and accomplishments can boost their self-esteem and sense of belonging in their new environment.

Integrate the young person into your home:

It can be very scary for a foster child to come into their new foster home for the first time. You let them know it's their new home from the very start. Put any photos you have of them into a frame and place them around the house where you may have other pictures. This will help to make them feel welcomed and part of their new family from the very start.

Could You Be a Foster Parent?

The shortage of foster carers in the UK greatly affects vulnerable children.

This can result in children being placed far from their loved ones and being separated from their siblings, as well as their school and friends.

Did you know that historically, 70-80% of foster placements have been within 20 miles of the child's home? While this benefits many children who can maintain their school and friendship groups, it also means that 20-30% of placements are further away.

For children coming to live with our foster families at an average age of 10, a change of school is often inevitable. However, we are dedicated to finding families in local areas with high demand to minimise disruptions.

If you live in the Northwest or the Midlands and are interested in exploring becoming a foster carer, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Read about our application process here.

Get in touch with us by completing our short enquiry form online or call us at 0800 5 677677.

There is no obligation for anything more than a chat.

Start Your Fostering Journey Today

Embarking on the journey of fostering is a significant decision that can profoundly impact your family and the life of a young person in need. By preparing yourself, choosing the right time and place for conversations, and approaching the topic with openness and honesty, you can foster a supportive and understanding environment.

Addressing concerns, sharing resources, seeking professional guidance when needed, and showing patience and understanding are essential steps in navigating this process together. Family Care understands the importance of support for foster carers and is committed to providing the necessary assistance throughout this incredible journey.

With our dedicated team by your side, you can begin this fulfilling experience knowing that help and guidance are just a call away. Together, you can make a positive difference in a child's life, creating a loving and nurturing home that will leave a lasting impact.