Wanted: Foster homes for young parents and their babies

As Mother's Day approaches, Foster4, Cheshire West and Chester’s fostering recruitment service, has launched a new campaign to find local people to care for both parents and their children together.

Therese, who has been a parent and child foster carer for seven years, said: “The emotional reward is enormous. There’s nothing like seeing a young family thrive and eventually set up on their own after leaving our care.

“Some of the parents we’ve cared for have been teenage mums, and sometimes dads, who have been or are still in care themselves, and so maybe haven’t had positive parenting to learn from.

"Others have been parents with learning difficulties, who needed a lot of extra support in establishing routines and budgeting for example.

“Every situation is different, but equally rewarding. It’s just amazing getting texts from the families, updating me about how they’re getting on, even years down the line. I’m still my first girl’s go-to person.”

Cllr Bob Cernik, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Offering parent and child foster care means that we can support more local families to stay together. Becoming a parent can be really challenging and overwhelming, especially if you’re young and don’t have much support.

“Our foster carers, who welcome parents and their child into their home, are able to model parenting skills, helping parents to establish routines such as safe sleeping and feeding, and supporting them with coping strategies and making positive choices.”

Cllr Margaret Parker, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s member of Foster4, said: “Foster carers that support parents and children together in their home play a huge part in setting up a young family for a successful independent life.

"It’s great to hear stories like Therese’s that show how rewarding this type of placement can be, both for our foster carers and the parent and child. We’d love to hear from experienced parents or carers with space in their home who would like to support a young family.”

Parent and child foster carers work closely alongside social workers, health professionals and other agencies, to give the parent and child the best possible chances of staying together long-term and having successful independent lives.

Anyone interested will need to have positive parenting or caring experience, a spare bedroom and to be at home full-time.

All the equipment will be provided such as cots, bedroom furniture and car seats, as well as exceptional training and support and a weekly allowance. Allowances vary but are around £500 per week.

For more details visit foster4.co.uk.