How do I build trust with my foster child?

Children and young people that enter foster care often come from homes and families of origin that were/are unstable and chaotic.

It is the role of foster carers to ensure that they can look after these children and ensure they have the best start in life, in spite of these circumstances.

One important component that is required from foster families, besides unconditional familial love, is trust between them and the young person. Here are some tips and guidance from Beacon Fostering on building trust with your foster child or children.

Build consistency and routine

Ensuring that you follow on what you will say is a start in building trust with your foster child and instilling a sense of reliability that will ensure that the child can depend on you for guidance.

For instance, if you say you will collect them from school or their extracurricular club, ensure that you do so. Similarly, knowing daily routines helps provide children with security and makes them less anxious.

Prioritise empathy and communication

A child may have difficulty expressing themselves or speaking up about their problems, so ensure that you and your home are safe spaces where they are free to express themselves without judgement. Listen to them and if they aren’t ready to talk, don’t pressure them. Encourage them to take their time and share their problems whenever they feel ready.

Trust can be rewarding

Gaining the trust of your foster child can be rewarding on both sides. Not only does the foster child heal mentally and emotionally, beginning to find faith in adults again, but you also develop new bonds with those in need, and hopefully, you can learn and do the same for other children in need too.