Listening to Children’s Voices in Foster Care: Putting Children at the Heart of Everything We Do
At Beacon Fostering we believe that listening to children’s voices is fundamental to good foster care. Children and young people in care have often experienced significant change and uncertainty, and being truly heard can make a powerful difference to their confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, has spoken clearly about the importance of listening to children, saying that “sharing children’s voices with decision makers remains the central purpose” of her work. In 2025, this is reflected in the “Youth Voice Forum” and the “Big Conversation Survey” both supported by the Children’s Commissioner. The “Big Conversation Survey” remains open for all young people for them to engage and share their views.
This overall message of the importance of listening to children resonates strongly with fostering services like ourselves at Beacon Fostering, where everyday decisions can shape a child’s experience of care.
Why children’s voices matter in fostering
Children in foster care want to feel respected, involved and understood. Listening to them isn’t just about formal meetings or reviews – it’s about the small, everyday moments in foster family life where children feel safe to express how they’re feeling.
When foster carers listen and respond thoughtfully, children are more likely to:
- Build trust and secure attachments
- Feel settled and safe within their foster placement
- Develop emotional resilience
- Engage positively with education and support services
For children living in foster care in North West England, including Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Preston, Blackpool and surrounding areas, these relationships are often the foundation for long-term stability.
The role of foster carers in helping children feel heard
Foster carers play a vital role in creating a home where children feel comfortable speaking up. This doesn’t require having all the answers – often it’s about being present, patient and open.
Helpful ways foster carers can support children’s voices include:
- Making time for regular, relaxed conversations
- Listening without judgement or rushing to solutions
- Reassuring children that their feelings matter
- Encouraging age-appropriate involvement in decisions
As Dame Rachel de Souza has highlighted, children want adults to “have difficult conversations with them, not avoid them.” Foster carers are uniquely placed to offer this safe, trusted space.
A child-centred approach to foster care
At Beacon Fostering, our approach to foster care across England is rooted in understanding each child as an individual. We work closely with foster carers to ensure children’s views are reflected in care planning, education support and day-to-day life.
Our fostering service supports carers through:
- Ongoing training focused on communication and emotional wellbeing
- Regular supervision with experienced social workers
- A strong local support network for foster carers in North West England
- Engaging with children and young person at each home visit to listen to their feelings, thoughts and feedback
Listening to children improves outcomes, placement stability, reduces disruption and helps young people feel valued – not just cared for.
Supporting children now and into the future
When children grow up feeling heard, they develop the confidence to advocate for themselves as adults. This is one of the most important gifts foster carers can give.
If you are considering becoming a foster carer in Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Liverpool or the wider North West England, choosing an agency that truly values children’s voices is essential. At Beacon Fostering, we are proud to place children at the heart of everything we do – because every child deserves to be listened to.