Coping when a foster placement ends

Fostering children can be a life-changing experience – not just for the foster parents, but also for the children concerned.

It can be difficult to say goodbye to them when a placement ends and they either move to another home, return to their families of origin or leave their foster home when they come of age. At Beacon Fostering, we understand how difficult this can be, so here are our tips for coping when a foster placement comes to an end.

Keeping in contact

In many cases, you can keep in contact with your foster child when they move on elsewhere, through texts, phone calls or the like. Check with your social worker first, and when they have approved this, make sure you and your former foster child have the right details for contact.

Mementoes

Give your foster child a parting gift when they leave as something physical to remind them of the good times. This can be a photo book, a letter, card, ornament or even a framed photo.

Support groups

A fostering agency like Beacon Fostering will offer support to foster families in the form of support groups and counselling.

For carers whose foster children have left the home, this can be useful for meeting and discussing feelings and experiences with other foster parents, creating a community of support.

Preparing foster children for when they leave

If your foster child is a teenager and they are reaching the age when they are expected to move away, ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to look after themselves. Show them how to prepare and cook food, wash and iron clothes, and perform other household tasks.