What does fostering involve?
Fostering involves caring for a child or young person who is unable to live with their parents or usual caregivers for a period of time. Foster carers provide a safe, stable and nurturing home while plans are made and reviewed for the child’s future. Every child and young person is unique. They come with their […]
Introduction to fostering
Fostering can make a significant difference in a child’s life. Children and young people may need foster care for many different reasons and for varying lengths of time. During this period, they need safe, stable and nurturing relationships with adults who can help them feel cared for, valued and understood. Foster carers provide day-to-day care […]
First Steps: Preparing for fostering
First Steps is a free online learning resource designed to help people explore fostering and develop their understanding of what fostering involves. Whether you are just beginning to consider fostering or looking for more detailed information, First Steps offers accessible guidance on a wide range of topics to help you make an informed decision. The […]
Privacy policy
This Privacy Policy outlines what kind of personal information might be collected by First4Adoption, why and how it is used, the conditions under which it is kept, how long we keep it for, when we may share it with others, and your rights in relation to your information. Any questions regarding this Privacy Policy and […]
Early Permanence
Early Permanence (EP) placements allow babies and young children who may need adopting to be placed with a potential permanent family earlier than a conventional adoption. EP enables a baby or young child in care to find foster carers who are ready to adopt them later, if the courts decide they cannot be cared for […]
Fostering book list
Thinking about fostering? by Henrietta Bond Packed with essential information and advice, this book provides a realistic and honest insight into what it means to look after other people’s children and provide a safe and supportive home. Find out more Promoting resilience by Robbie Gilligan This bestselling guide contains inspirational ideas and suggestions for promoting […]
Types of fostering
There are different types of foster care that are adapted to meet the wide ranging needs of children in care. Fostering can sometimes be a short-term plan where the child will return to their birth families (parents or other family members). In other cases where the child cannot return to their family, fostering can also be a long-term solution […]
Adoption
Adoption is a permanent, legal arrangement where a child joins a new family when the court decides it is not possible for them to be raised by their birth parents or within the birth family. Adopters assume parental responsibility for the child who takes the surname of the new parents and becomes a permanent member […]
Top 10 tips for foster carers
Through a series of participation groups, young adopted people exchanged their views and experiences in order to help future adopters and professionals dealing with adopted children and young adults. During initial workshops, they devised a list of top 10 tips they wanted to pass on to adopters to help them make a positive difference to […]
Confidentiality
First4Adoption takes confidentiality seriously and offers a confidential service to those who contact us. You can choose to remain anonymous however sharing your information helps us to provide you with the best service. Any personal information that you choose to give us will be held securely and in compliance with data protection law, and will […]